Mr. West arrives in England.--Relative Condition of Artists in Society.--Mr. West's American Friends in this Country.--Of Governor Hamilton and Mr. Allen.--Circumstances favourable to their Reception in the Circles of Fashion.--Mr. West's Visit to Bath, and Excursions to see some of the Collections of Art in England.--He settles as a Portrait Painter.--Introduction to Burke and Dr. Johnson.--Anecdote of a Monk, the Brother of Mr. Burke.--Introduction to Archbishop Drummond.--Mr. West's Marriage.
Some Notice of Archbishop Drummond.--Mr. West paints a Picture for His Grace.--His Grace's Plan to procure Engagements for Mr. West as an Historical Painter.--Project for ornamenting St. Paul's Cathedral with Pictures.--Anecdote of Dr. Terrick, Bishop of London.--The Altar-piece of St. Stephen's Walbrook.--State of public Taste with respect to the Arts.--Anecdotes of Hogarth and Garrick.
Archbishop Drummond's Address in procuring for Mr. West the Patronage of the King.--Singular Court Anecdote of a Lady of Fashion.--Character of the King in his Youth.--Anecdotes of the King and Queen,--The King employs Mr. West to paint the Departure of Regulus.--Mr. West's Celebrity as a Skater.--Anecdote of Lord Howe.--His Fame as a Skater of great Service in his professional Success.
The King's personal Friendship for Mr. West.--Circumstances which led to the Establishment of the Royal Academy.--First Exhibition of the Works of British Artists.--The Departure of Regulus finished, and taken to Buckingham House.--Anecdote of Kirby.--The Formation of the Royal Academy.--Anecdote of Reynolds.--The Academy instituted.
The Opening of the Royal Academy.--The Death of General Wolfe.--Anecdote of Sir Joshua Reynolds.--New Pictures ordered by the King.--Origin of the Series of Historical Pictures painted for Windsor Castle.--Design for a grand Chapel in Windsor Castle, to illustrate the History of revealed Religion.--His Majesty's Scruples on the Subject.--His confidential Consultation with several eminent Divines.--The Design undertaken.