Smithsonian's Galleries reveal Whistler's London years

Washington - A major exhibition of paintings and etchings by James McNeill Whistler opens in Washington this weekend.

"An American in London: Whistler and the Thames" spotlights the 19th century American artist's many years in the British capital and his fascination with the storied river than runs through it.

Washington is the third stop for the exhibition that explores Whistler's vision of the Thames, its many bridges and the folks who lived and worked along its muddy banks, at a time when London was undergoing dramatic change.

The show has previously appeared at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London and Addison Gallery of American Art in Massachusetts.

"He never gave up his nationality", MacDonald said. "He was always a bit outside the core of London society... He said he was American. He was proud of it".

"An American in London" runs from Saturday through August 17.