As he is dying, Thomas summons his rival Joshua Reynolds, and his wife makes a surprising revelation. Read by Julian Rhind-Tutt.
For his final years Thomas Gainsborough returns to London where he paints over 100 portraits and 30 landscapes.
Knowing that he's dying, he summons his old rival Joshua Reynolds and, on his deathbed, his wife Margaret makes a surprising revelation.
James Hamilton's portrait of 18th-century artist Thomas Gainsborough.
Concluded by Julian Rhind-Tutt.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier.
Director: Kate McAll
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.