Here are some details about an exhibition I have co-curated with Andrew Loukes, Curator of Exhibitions Petworth House:
“This January, a major art exhibition featuring over 30 pieces on loan from major collections, is set to open at Petworth House, West Sussex.
The show, Mr. Turner – an exhibition, has been inspired by Mike Leigh’s award-winning film, Mr. Turner, filmed in part at Petworth House and Park.
The film portrays the last quarter century of the great British painter, J.M.W. Turner, who spent a considerable amount of time in residence at Petworth, in the company of his close friend and patron, the 3rd Earl of Egremont.
Highlights of the exhibition include rarely seen portraits of the artist, iconic Turner oil paintings such as The New Moon (Tate) and Calais Sands (Bury Art Museum), and outstanding examples of his watercolours of the British and European landscape.
Unique and original ephemera will also be on display, including Turner’s personal fishing rod, jewellery, books, notes and painting materials.
The show, running from 10 January to 11 March 2015, explores major themes of the film, including travel, patronage, science, colour and the Royal Academy.
Visitors will have the opportunity to to view 20 extraordinary Turner paintings in their natural location inside the mansion house, in addition to a visit to the Old Library (not normally open to the public) used as a studio by Turner and other artist-guests in the early 19th century.
There will also be a selection of props and costumes on display from the film.”