When he became a member of the Royal Academy Schools, Turner was 14 years old and was already known to the public because of his father. William Gayone Turner, barber and wig-maker, was so proud of his son that he would sell his works of art at his shop in Covent Garden. For his first presentation at the Summer Exhibition in 1790, the painter had chosen his first oil on canvas, a turbulent seascape. Fishermen at Sea fascinated for the dramatic light of the moon and the great virtuosity which gave the admirable illusion of the boats floating, suspended by the thrashing waves. In the future, the Master who elevated landscape painting to such a level as to have it compete with historic paintings in terms of value, went on to exhibit his works at the Royal Academy of Art for his entire life, in contention with Constable for the top spot of landscape painters. Turner often took advantage of the inaugural day of his exhibitions to add final touches to his paintings, an opportunity for an enthusiastic public to watch him transform his pieces before their very eyes.
Marking the 250th anniversary of their births, a landmark exhibition explores the intertwined lives and legacies of Turner and Constable, two of the most important 19th-century British landscape painters.
A journey to discover the Indian sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee revisited through the works, drawings and sculptures of the artists who have most influenced her and with whom she has collaborated.
The UK’s first child-centered museum exhibition around creativity in ancient Egypt, showcasing Egypt’s potential for inspiring design creativity through ancient artefacts, contemporary art and design, and captivating scenography.
Platform is a new initiative to expand our exhibition programme with free annual exhibitions showcasing the work of a designer or studio that is impacting contemporary design discourse. The inaugural exhibition features the work of Bethan Laura Wood.
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