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

Turner illustrated Carlisle for volume 1 of Scott’s Poetical Works, The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border (see folios 43 verso and 44; D25846–D25847). Scott had been married in Carlisle Cathedral and the town features as a setting in The Lay of the Last Minstrel. In search of the most characteristic view and satisfying composition, Turner made sketches from the west and east in this sketchbook (folios 39 verso–45; D25838–D25849). He also used the Rokeby and Appleby sketchbook for a few detail sketches (Tate D25524, D25555, D41067; Turner Bequest CLXIV 1, 16, inside back cover).

The present view of Carlisle was made across two pages (continued on folio 40) from the west of the city. The view shows Carlisle Castle at the centre of the present page, with Carlisle Cathedral at the left of folio 40 (D25839), as well as St Cuthbert’s and the towers of the Citadel. In the foreground is the faint outline of a boat which can also be seen on folio 40 verso (D25840).