Trafalgar Square, by Moonlight

This moon-lit view of Trafalgar Square looking south-eastwards towards Whitehall is unusual in that most artists depicting the Square tended to focus on the National Gallery or St. Martin-in-the-Fields. This picture is also remarkable for its inclusion of street and indoor gas lighting, as well as the lit clock-face of Big Ben.

A number of figures are shown in the foreground and several cabs can be seen in the distance. Beyond the Square can be spotted, from left to right: part of Morley's Hotel, Northumberland House, Whitehall with Big Ben and Victoria Tower in the distance, the offices and shops of Charing Cross and Cockspur Street, the top of the Duke of York's column, Carlton House Terrace and the Union Club.

Henry Pether (1800-80) was an artist best known for his moonlight pictures and this is one of several by him in the Museum's collection.