In 1807, landscape artist JMW Turner began work on his country retreat, the famous Turner House, London.
Today, I'm talking about this building and its builder!
Turner House in London: article summary
Who was Turner?
At the age of 32, Turner enjoyed critical and financial success. He is known as a leading figure in the British art world.
He had put considerable effort into developing his practice. At the time of his election to the Royal Academy, aged just 27, he was still the youngest ever to become an Academician.
However, the house he was to build and design was not a public place, but rather a quiet refuge from the pressures of the London art world, where he would invite friends and indulge his passion for fishing.
Several Turner Houses in London
Turner was the son of a barber and a wigmaker, and was born in Maiden Lane, London. Covent Garden. As an adult, his main residence, studio and gallery were on Queen Anne Street in Marylebone.
These two houses are demolished since Turner's death. This makes Turner's House the only house in which the artist lived that can be visited.
Moreover, as Turner was his own architect, the house represents not only the place in which he lived, but also part of his vision of the ideal life.
The house is as special as any of his paintings, and allows visitors to see the personal and private side of the man.
A house stripped of its essence
Turner sold the house in 1826, so the current collection does not include the objects he owned.
In fact, there are no images of the interior of the house to show us what he would have had on his walls.
Turner's House collection includes many fine prints from his Liber Studiorum series and spans his entire career, covering many of the themes and subjects he would return to time and again.
Turner House in London: an art collection to discover
Dance's 1800 drawing, published by William Smith in 1827, shows Turner at the age of 25, the same age as his famous self-portrait.
The drawing from which this print was made is reputed to be the only portrait for which he posed.
Later artists wishing to capture Turner's image were forced to observe him surreptitiously.
By the time the print was made, he had become a full academician and professor of perspective.
The young Turner looks good here, his hair probably styled by his father, a barber and wigmaker.
He is the very essence of a successful young man. Apparently, Turner was sensitive about his nose, which may explain why His self-portrait shows him facing away from the canvas.
A work on the Thames at Turner House
Turner knew and loved Thameshaving lived in Brentford as a child.
He rented houses along the Thames and, in the early 1800s, undertook a series of drawing trips along the river.
His purchase of land in Twickenham was undoubtedly influenced by his profound relationship with the river.
He was also a lover of poetry, particularly the work of Scottish poet James Thomson, who celebrated the vision recreated by Turner.
An artist with a passion for fishing
Turner loved fishing. He spent long hours on the Thames with fishing rods and sketchbooks.
He fished with friends such as Sir John Soane, John Flaxman and Francis Chantry and in locations such as Petworth, Farnley Hall and Tabley Hall.
It was at Tabley that the Earl of Leicester complained that he spent more time fishing than painting.
In the house's original garden, Turner built a small pond into which he put the catch of the day.
When is the best time to visit Turner House in London??
You can visit us on site:
- Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
What are the entrance fees??
With regard to entry fees, you must allow for :
- 10 £ per adult
- 3 £ per child
London's Turner House is a testament to its tenant's past. Filled with works of art, you can enjoy your stay in this exceptional establishment.
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