J.M.W Turrner: The Vaughan Bequest

by Christopher Baker, National Galleries of Scotland

J. M.W.Turner (1775-1851) was perhaps the most prolific and innovative of all British artists. His outstanding watercolours in the collection of the National Gallery of Scotland are one of the most popular features of its collection. Bequeathed to the Gallery in 1899 by the distinguished collector, Henry Vaughan, they have been exhibited, as he requested, every January for over 100 years. Renowned for their excellent state of preservation, they provide a remarkable overview of many of the most important aspects of Turner's career. This new, richly illustrated book, will provide an authoritative commentary on the watercolours, taking account of recent research, and addressing questions of technique and function, as well as considering some of the numerous contacts Turner had with other artists, collectors and dealers. The introduction will concentrate on Henry Vaughan, one of the greatest enthusiasts for British art in the late nineteenth century, whose diverse collections have not previously been

Genres: Art

Paperback

First published August 9, 2007

About the author

Christopher^^Baker is the Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Scotland; he formerly curated the collections of Christ Church, Oxford and was a researcher at the National Gallery, London. He has lectured and published widely on British art and the history of collecting and organised exhibitions, which focus on artists such as Sandby, Turner and Ruskin.

Reviews

[Iulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Turner’s work after seeing the annual January show held in NGI - this time an exchange in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland - Edinburgh.
Photo reproductions in this catalogue are lovely but cannot possible capture the magic of Turner’s art, you have to see it in person.
“The Sun of Venice”, “Old Dover Harbour” and “Heidelberg” are just perfect.

[Petrina Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and lovely reproductions except figure 1 of The haywain by Constable . The image is reversed !

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, stunning collection.