J.M.W. Turner and ‘the Matchless Vale of the Thames’

Turner found great inspiration in the Arcadian landscape which forms the famous view from Richmond Hill, described by the 18th century poet James Thomson as ‘the Matchless Vale of Thames’. He rented property at nearby Isleworth and Hammersmith, and finally bought his own piece of landscape at Twickenham, where he built Sandycombe Lodge, to his own designs. This talk explores the importance to Turner of this small part of the Thames, and the ways in which poetry shaped his work.

Catherine Parry-Wingfield is an art historian and is chairman of Turner’s House Trust. She has worked extensively on the history of the house and its new presentation to the public.

£6 Adults, £4 Friends