Mr Accum, Professor of Chemistry lecturing at the Surrey Institution

In this detailed watercolour by Thomas Rowlandson, a scientific demonstration by an eminent chemist is taking place. Flanked by two columns, Friedrich Christian Accum is depicted lecturing at the Surrey Institution. He is surrounded by rapt onlookers, whose faces and figures are caricatured. On the podium is an array of scientific equipment.

Accum was born in Germany and studied in London, where he later lived. In 1800 he established a business in Soho and went on to work at the Royal Institution. A pioneer of gas lighting, Accum regularly gave public presentations of chemistry. These popular demonstrations took place at Accum's own premises, as well as at lecture theatres in London. The Surrey Institution on Blackfriars Road was founded in 1808 as a centre for education in South London, and Thomas Rowlandson made this sketch shortly afterwards.

Born in London, Rowlandson studied at the Royal Academy and went on to illustrate a number of publications, including 'The Microcosm of London' and 'The Three Tours of Doctor Syntax'.