The Spirit of Byron

In April 1824, amid the Greek War of Independence, Lord Byron died in Mesologgi. Though he had scarcely been in Greece for 100 days, his contributions to the revolt would live on for centuries in the heart of a newborn nation.

Two hundred years later, The Spirit of Byron: Philhellenism and the Greek War of Independence commemorates history's most renowned philhellene through a curated selection of works on paper from the Robertson Collection. Discover the politicised Philhellene movement prior to the outbreak of the revolt, its progress through the course and conclusion of the conflict, and Byron’s enduring connection to the cause.

Showcasing the dynamic interplay of art, literature and politics during a time of great liberal and national upheaval, The Spirit of Byron reveals the depth of public interest in Greece's struggle for freedom, its interpretation in visual culture, and how his legacy continues to whirl and spark in the present day.