Joseph Mallord W. Turner

Joseph Mallord William Turner was born in London behind Covent Garden in Maiden Lane on April 23,1775. He was city bred but for a short stay with his uncle in the country. Turner's father was a barber. His home was a few dingy room's above the barbershop. His mother suffered from mental illness deepened from the death of Turner's sister who was the only other child. Turner travelled extensively in England and Europe throughout his life. He would constantly sketch details of landscape and architecture in the places he visited. In England in the 17th century watercolor was being used for military purposes. The spontaneity of the medium was perfect for the Romantics expression of the immediacy of nature, energy and sensatonalism. Turner used this medium frequently for sketches for developing his large painted compositions but they stand as important works in their own right. Turner was made a full member of the Royal Academy of Art at 27. An honor usually bestowed on artist's twice his age. He made a considerable fortune living on the proceeds from engraving, fulfilling the 19th century middle class need for topographical prints. This allowed him the freedom to explore the themes which interested him later in his career.

Joseph Mallord W. Turner Images:
Arundel Castle
Burning of the Houses of Parliament
Chain Pier Brighton
Durham Cathedral
Malmesbury Abbey
Norham Castle
Peace - Burial at Sea
Peace-Burial at Sea
Rain, Steam and Speed - The Great Western Railway
Snow Storm - Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth
Tamworth Castle
The Battle Of Trafalgr
The Fighting Temeraine
The Fighting Temeraire
The Shipwreck
Valley of the Washburn
Whitby
Yacht Approaching the Coast