J.M.W Turner

I thought the description of J.M Turner painting environment was great, in particular the application of paint one colour at a time.



Sir Richard Owen (1804-1892), one of the best known scientists of his day,met J.M.W. Turner in August 1845.

He tells how, on a very bright August day, Broderip and he walked together to Turner’s residence, which was slightly dingy in outward appearance. When they arrived at the door, they awaited some time before their ring at the bell was answered. At last an elderly person opened the door a few inches, and asked them suspiciously what they wanted. They replied that they wished to see Mr Turner. The door was immediately shut in their faces ; but after a time the person came back to say that they might enter. When they got into the hall she showed them into a room, and forthwith shut the door upon them. They then discovered with some dismay that this apartment was in total darkness, with the blinds down and the shutters up. After a prolonged interval, they were told they might go upstairs. Upon arriving at the topmost storey they perceived Turner standing before several easels, and taking his colours from a circular table, which he swung round to get at the paints required. He was painting several pictures as once, passing on from one to the other, and applying to each in its turn the particular colour he was using, till it was exhausted.
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This account can be found in The Life of Richard Owen by his Grandson The Rev. Richard Owen. Murray, London 1894. p.263-4

Tate Britain has virtually reconstructed J.M.W. Turner's Gallery which he built in his house so that he could control how his paintings were shown.