Exhibitions and Talks 

Come and hear Tom Mayberry delve deeper into the story behind the artist of the vast and colourful painting, '‘The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum’ (1822).'

As part of the Museum of Somerset’s popular Spotlight Loan programme, Tate will be lending the artist John Martin’s extraordinary painting 'The Destruction of Pompeii and Harculaneum' (1822).

Tom Mayberry (former CEO of the South West Heritage Trust) delves into the story behind the artist of this vast and colourful painting. Hear how his paintings caused a sensation in 19th Century Britain and how his friendship with a Taunton schoolmaster helped to inspire some of his most dramatic works.

The talk will take place in the museum’s historic Castle House and will be followed by time spent in the gallery studying the painting more closely. Plus a chance to view the documents linking the painting to Somerset, through the forgotten friendship of John Martin and the poet and music master Edwin Atherstone.