Celebrity spotting 18th century style!

Covent Garden-based artist and freemason Thomas Stothard, painted Bartholomew Ruspini with pupils from the Royal Cumberland School for Girls. To raise funds, the school sold engravings of the original artwork, like this one by Bartolozzi.

Centre stage, Ruspini leads a procession of girls, with school committee members, patrons, governors and celebrities visiting London as spectators. This print brings together people going to School concerts at Freemasons' Hall in the 1790s instead of showcasing one event.

Are you ready for some 18th-century celebrity spotting? Click on the image to discover more!