Turnering Through Time: A Day in Celebration of J.M.W. Turner

JMW Turner: Walker Art Gallery

I spent the most delicious day in London in the company of writers and journalists from all over the world. Our shared mission? To celebrate the 250th birthday of renowned British artist JMW Turner. And not only that, also to discover who had been shortlisted for the 2025 edition of the coveted contemporary art prize that bears his name.

I’ll admit, my knowledge of Turner wasn’t extensive—until our day ‘Turnering’ turned that on its head. Excuse the pun! My curiosity awakened, I’m looking forward to the proceedings which kick off at Tate Britain, where a new exhibition of Turner’s watercolours and drawings joins works from the gallery’s vast—and, I must say, truly magnificent—permanent display.

Born on 23 April 1775, JMW Turner is often hailed as Britain’s most influential artist. More than a painter, Turner was a revolutionary force in British art—his mastery of light, movement, and atmosphere is unmistakable, even to the untrained eye. He reshaped how 18th-and 19th-century audiences saw the world, challenging convention with his fearless brushwork and luminous compositions.  From the turbulent seas of Snow Storm: Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth to the haunting elegance of The Fighting Temeraire, Turner’s work pirouetted between tradition and modernity, capturing the raw energy of nature while anticipating the abstraction of French Impressionism. His fearless brushwork and luminous compositions resisted convention, elevating landscape painting from mere representation to pure emotion.

JMW Turner: 'Snow Storm - Steam Boat off a Harbour's Mouth'

JMW Turner: The Fighting Temeraire

Unveiling the Turner Prize Shortlist

So, back to the prize. Established in 1984, and one of the world’s best-known accolades for the visual arts, the Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around developments in contemporary British art.

After breakfast, the shortlisted Turner Prize artists were announced—the successful four this year being Nnena Kalu, Rene Matic, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa—each recognised for their outstanding exhibitions or presentations. Even more exciting is their works will be exhibited in September at Cartwright Hall, Lister Park Bradford, BD9 4NS. Read more about the finalists in THE GAZE Latest News.

We had ample time to take in the Turner display, pose questions to experts, and engage with the prize’s judging panel. There’s one last moment for a gulp or two of rather nice hot coffee and a pain au chocolat before we’re whisked off in a classic London red Routemaster bus to Turner’s country escape in Twickenham on the outskirts of London. There we view "Turner’s Kingdom: Beauty, Birds and Beasts"—a delightful compilation of Turner’s studies, unseen for forty years,

Featuring rare birds, fish, and animals, from domestic pets to wildlife, the exhibition is on display at Turner’s House Museum, Twickenham, Surrey, until 26 October 2025.

A Toast to Turner

JMW Turner

Standing in the reception room of Turner's house, we raise a toast to the great man himself—led by the Mayor of Richmond and Twickenham and accompanied by a sliver of birthday cake. Then, it’s back on the bus to the famous Richmond Hill to take in the breathtaking vista Turner would have enjoyed during his visits to Twickenham.

We end our Turner day with tea at nearby Petersham Nurseries—an absolute must-do if you’re in the area.

The stories, anecdotes, new acquaintances—and, of course, the art—made for an utterly exhilarating experience. It was a vivid reminder of the joy in writing about pioneering artists, past and present, and the privilege of witnessing Turner’s extraordinary vision and enduring influence on British art.

Further details of the Turner 250 programme can be found at tate.org.uk/turner-250

For Turner's House, visit: Turner's House

© Copyright Hazel Clarke 2025