On this day in 18th September 1709, Samuel Johnson was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Famous for his ability to capture the human condition, we can still relate to many of his works and quotes whilst navigating a very different life and world.
Dr Johnson regularly stayed at the Thrale's House, Streatham Park/Place where he was integrated as one of the family and where he had his own apartment. He worshipped at St Leonard's Church in Streatham in the Thrale's pews.
In 1765 when Johnson made the acquaintance of the rich Thrale family. The husband Henry was a businessman and MP, while his wife Hesterwas a well-born woman with literary interests and considerable social gifts. She soon became Johnson's most confidential friend. In addition to their home at the family brewery in Southwark, the Thrales had inherited a country estate at Streatham, 10 miles south of central London. Johnson first visited the couple in 1766, and within a few years he was allocated his own quarters at Streatham Park, where he spent prolonged periods.
A chemical laboratory was even set up there in 1771 for his use, until Henry Thrale decided that the would-be scientist might have an accident owing to his short sight and go up in smoke. A library wing was added to the house, and here in 1780 Thrale hung up thirteen portraits by Reynolds, with pictures of his own wife and daughter joined by the principal members of Johnson's circle.
(Pat Rogers)
Image Samuel Johnson by Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1756/7. ©National Portrait Gallery, London NPG 1597
Dr Johnson regularly stayed at the Thrale's House, Streatham Park/Place where he was integrated as one of the family and where he had his own apartment. He worshipped at St Leonard's Church in Streatham in the Thrale's pews.
In 1765 when Johnson made the acquaintance of the rich Thrale family. The husband Henry was a businessman and MP, while his wife Hesterwas a well-born woman with literary interests and considerable social gifts. She soon became Johnson's most confidential friend. In addition to their home at the family brewery in Southwark, the Thrales had inherited a country estate at Streatham, 10 miles south of central London. Johnson first visited the couple in 1766, and within a few years he was allocated his own quarters at Streatham Park, where he spent prolonged periods.
A chemical laboratory was even set up there in 1771 for his use, until Henry Thrale decided that the would-be scientist might have an accident owing to his short sight and go up in smoke. A library wing was added to the house, and here in 1780 Thrale hung up thirteen portraits by Reynolds, with pictures of his own wife and daughter joined by the principal members of Johnson's circle.
(Pat Rogers)
Image Samuel Johnson by Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1756/7. ©National Portrait Gallery, London NPG 1597
