Florence was a popular Grand Tour destination. The Italian city’s elegant central square was a must-see for tourists, just as it is today.

Devon-born artist Thomas Patch painted popular Italian landscapes, including many of Florence. Patch sold some of these to young British men, as souvenirs of their Grand Tour. Patch and the Plymothian artist Joshua Reynolds were room-mates in Rome.

About the exhibition:

People travel for different reasons – from exploration and scientific discovery, to trade and colonial exploitation. Some choose to travel as tourists, others are forced to migrate. The gallery features original artefacts from the voyages of Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain James Cook, Charles Darwin, Gertrude Benham, Scott of the Antarctic and many others. An animated globe highlighting key journeys forms the gallery’s spinning centrepiece. Interactive touchscreens let you explore dozens more surprising journeys that began in Plymouth.

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: The Box, Plymouth, Devon
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Thomas Patch (1725–1782)
Date: 1763

Image Details
Date: 18 September 2025
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/16s
ISO: 1000
Licence: Image of a ‘The Box’ asset. This image cannot be licensed.