1. Turner was London born and bred
Born in Covent Garden in 1775, JMW Turner spent his early years living above his father’s barber shop. London features heavily in a number of his works including The Fighting Temeraire, The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons and London from Greenwich Park
Despite the success he achieved later in life, Turner never lost his cockney accent and worked hard to avoid the trappings of fame.
2. He liked to paint alfresco
Unlike most of his contemporaries, Turner liked to paint in the open air, or ‘en plein air’. He painted in all conditions and would work at sunrise, sunset and throughout the day.
Turner’s love of working outdoors gave him the chance to really experience the elements. This deep understanding of light, wind, rain and storms can be clearly seen in his works, many of which use the weather to enhance the subject.
3. Turner was a Romantic painter
The peak of Turner’s painting career coincided with the Romantic Era in the arts in general. And Turner’s embrace of nature, the elements and a number of classic themes fitted right in.
Many of Turner’s paintings are incredibly evocative. Just looking at the stormy skies, fiery sunsets and cloudy dawns can produce strong emotions in the viewer, something the Romantics would have loved.
4. He started young
Turner had a prodigious talent and started drawing at a very young age. By 14, he was good enough to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Arts and was exhibiting his first works there by 15.
He became an associate of the Royal Academy at 24, the youngest age at which he was eligible. Three years later, in 1802, Turner became the youngest ever full Academician at the institution.
5. He was appreciated in his lifetime
Unlike many of the most famous names in art, Turner was hugely appreciated in his own lifetime. Although somewhat controversial – his paintings were unlike anything that had come before – he exhibited his works widely and sold more than enough to make him a wealthy man.
6. Turner is often cited as the world’s first modern artist
Turner’s style was unique and comparatively very modern. His use of color, and his fluid landscapes, skies and figures are often cited as a forerunner to Impressionism and Modernism.
Turner was always looking towards the future and often included the latest technologies in his works. Two of the best examples are Rain, Steam and Speed – The Great Western Railway and The Fighting Temeraire.
7. Turner died of Cholera in 1851
Like many residents of London in the 19th century, Turner died of Cholera. He’s buried in St Paul’s Cathedral where he lies close to another famous English painter, Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Learn more about Joshua Reynolds and his fascinating life here.
