Fishermen at Sea

William Turner began sketching outside, using these as a basis for his paintings, indoors. This led to him touring the country during the summer and working in the studio in the winter. He became known as “The Painter of Light”.

In 1796, he exhibited his first painting in oils: ‘Fishermen at Sea’.

Battle of Trafalgar

Turner was commissioned by King George IV as part of a series of works to decorate three state rooms in St James Palace and link the Hanoverian dynasty with military success. He travelled to Belgium and Holland to see where the battle took place.

Burning of the houses

of parliament in 1835

On 16th October 1835, a fire broke out in the Houses of Parliament in London. Turner sketched the scene at the spot and went on to paint some of his most famous masterpieces.

The Fighting Temeraire, Tugged to her last berth to be broken up 1839

This ship was used in the Battle of Trafalgar with the painting documenting when it was being tugged to be used for scrap - the last voyage of an old war hero.

Dido Building Carthage 1815

Turner became influenced by Greek mythology. This painting is one of his most famous from this period.

Rome, from Mount Aventine 1835

This painting features a panoramic view of the Italian city, facing north, bathed in the artist's signature diaphanous light.

Sold at auction for $47.5 million and

represents a record for a Turner painting.