John Singleton Copley, The Death of Major Peirson 1782–4. Tate.
Experience artworks from the war period of 1780–1810
The art in this room reflects a period when Britain was involved in wars overseas. As well as images of war, it includes pictures of rural life in Britain and scenes from plays. William Shakespeare was a popular source of inspiration for painters at this time.
Britain showed its power through conflict. Admiral Horatio Nelson led the Royal Navy to victory against the French and Spanish at the Battle of Trafalgar. The first convicts were sent to Australia. The Act of Union was passed in 1801, which created the United Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In 1807 Parliament abolished the slave trade, ending more than 200 years of Britain trading enslaved people.