made the town of Henley-on-Thames an international centre of rowing. Established in 1839, and gaining a royal patron in 1851, the Regatta brings together leading international oarsmen and women and is considered to be part of the English social calendar. Town and Regatta celebrations since 1899 are presented on film in the gallery. Painted in 1698 by the Dutch master Jan Siberechts (1627–c.1703), Henley from the Wargrave Road has its own room off the Henley Gallery. A masterpiece displaying the multifaceted life of the town and surrounding countryside, it is one of a series of English landscapes by Siberechts, The painting is a record of social history, showing the river trade, agriculture, and social hierarchy, alongside a still familiar view of the town. Henley from the Wargrave Road was purchased with the assistance of the National Art Collections Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Special exhibitions Treasures Gallery, Sir Graham Kirkham Gallery, and The Wall provide venues for special exhibitions throughout the year. The Museum's exhibition programme is designed around its major themes and includes exhibitions that have a family appeal as well as more specialist exhibitions. Topics range from celebrations of major events and anniversaries to arts, crafts, and sculpture or in-depth investigations. References External links River and Rowing Museum American Friends of the River & Rowing Museum Original website 1998 website 1998 establishments in England Museums established in 1998 Sports museums in England Museums in Oxfordshire Maritime museums in England Rowing on the River Thames History of rowing Museums on the River Thames Local museums in Oxfordshire David Chipperfield buildings Henley-on-Thames