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

Inverted relative to the sketchbook’s foliation, this sketch continues on folio 63 recto opposite (D22443). It shows Hammersmith Bridge from the Barnes bank of the River Thames, looking north-west to the waterfront at Hammersmith. There is a continuation of the bank at the top right. This sketch is notable for apparently omitting the deck of the bridge and showing a clear view of the houses beyond at that level, although the main cables are shown in place between the twin stone Tuscan archways. The two ‘w’s presumably indicate white reflections in the river. The significance of Turner’s ‘84’ and ‘28’ is unclear, as they do not appear to equate to the bridge’s dimensions.1

As discussed under folio 58 verso (D22434), where other Hammersmith views are mentioned, Turner’s studies of the bridge seem to have a rather provisional air, and may show it still under construction before its October 1827 opening.