JOSEPH MALLORD WILLIAM TURNER (1775-1851)

Ludlow Castle, from the North West, with the River Teme

London, about 1800

Pencil, watercolour, scratching out on paper

357 X 572 MM

Turner visited Ludlow in the summer of 1798 when he made a number of studies of the ruined castle and its surrounds.

The pencil drawing of this scene was partly finished in watercolour and Turner then showed it to potential patrons. Three of them commissioned large finished watercolours showing this late afternoon scene. A work such as this would then have been framed and glazed for display.

At this early stage in Turner’s career the artist employed a relatively muted palette which reflected his ambition of producing watercolours which might compete in effect with oils.

Purchased 1942 (No. 42.8)

WORKS ON PAPER

We show a rotating selection of works on paper in our two Print Bay Displays.

If you wish to view a work not currently on display, you can make an appointment to see it in the Prints and Drawings Study Room.

Book a viewing appointment

Study room visits must be booked at least a week in advance.

Please visit our dedicated page for more information and to request an appointment.