Hiroshige on the Tōkaidō: Woodblock Prints in Japan
Thu 14th May 2026 -
19:00 - 20:30
Talks
Journey Through Japan – Hiroshige’s Iconic Woodblock Prints!
Join Nigel Caple, a British artist, as he details Hiroshige’s woodblock prints on the Tōkaidō Way. Caple worked as a Coordinator for International Relations linking cultural activities between Japan and the UK, alongside his many international painting expeditions.
When: Thursday 14th May 2026
Timings: 7 to 8:30pm
Price: £15 per person
Age: All welcome
Places: Limited to 40 places
Accessibility: The room and our toilets are fully accessible
The Tokaido – Visions of the Eastern Sea Road or The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.
This talk will celebrate and illuminate both the ancient and modern aspects of the Tokaido Road. The Tokaido was one of the most important routes of the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. The eastern sea road linked Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo).
The course of this famous highway will be charted, from Tokyo to Kyoto, weaving together various stories from over four centuries of travel. It will examine the history of the Tokaido, discussing aspects of the development of the road by the Tokugawa shogunate and its condition today. Well-known incidents that have taken place along the route, such as at Hakone and Namamugi, will be used to illustrate the realities of the journey itself.
An overview of some of those artists who have left visual records of the Tokaido Road will also be incorporated. From printmakers to photographers, a range of images will be presented to help the audience visualise the road’s changing geography. Particular focus will be given to Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) and his celebrated woodblock print series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road and also to Felice Beato’s 19th century photographs taken along this route.
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.
