Joseph Mallord William Turner

Martello Towers on the Coast, near Hythe

c.1821–2

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In Tate Britain

Prints and Drawings Room

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Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775–1851
Part of: Folkestone Sketchbook
Medium: Graphite on paper
Dimensions: Support: 113 × 187 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856
Reference: D17305
Turner Bequest CXCVIII 59 a

Catalogue entry

As identified by Finberg, the drawing on this page is dominated by coastal Martello towers stationed on cliffs above Turner as he records his impression of the scene.1 These defensive forts feature in many studies throughout the present sketchbook. For a comprehensive list of instances see the entry for folio 5 verso (D17215).

The drawing is made with the page inverted relative to the foliation of the sketchbook. Within the context of the adjacent study of the Kent coastline at Hythe on the facing page (folio 60 recto; D17306), Finberg’s identification and title for this page seem appropriate. Turner looks East along the seafront, towards Sandgate which is presumably out of sight on the other side of the furthest cliff on the right hand side. A cluster of buildings is described on the shore at the right of the page.

Finberg 1909, I, p.606.

Technical notes:

The topmost edge of this page is marked with thumb or finger prints.

Maud Whatley
January 2016

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