J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

Turner inscription, ‘Roslin C.’ could stand for Roslin Chapel or Roslin Castle (also spelled Rosslyn), but the building here, with its central domed tower, looks unlike either. Unless this is an inaccurate rendering of the chapel, or another building in the area, then the inscription may simply be a reminder, scribbled down on the nearest sheet of paper. The view could perhaps be of Linlithgow, as the tower somewhat resembles St Michael’s Church tower. Although there are no sketches of Roslin in this sketchbook, there are numerous studies in the Edinburgh (Tate D13449–D13586; D40934–D40937; complete; Turner Bequest CLXVI) and Scotch Antiquities (Tate D13587–D13654; D13656–D13747; D40913–D40916; complete; Turner Bequest CLXVII) sketchbooks made in preparation for an illustration to Scott’s Provincial Antiquities publication.