Joseph Mallord William Turner

Whalley Abbey Seen across the River Calder

1799

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In Tate Britain

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Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775–1851
Part of: Lancashire and North Wales Sketchbook
Medium: Graphite on paper
Dimensions: Support: 225 × 329 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856
Reference: D01967
Turner Bequest XLV 34 a

Display caption

Turner went to Whalley, near Blackburn in Lancashire, in the autumn of 1799. He had been commissioned to design illustrations for the Rev TD Whittaker's History of the Parish of Whalley published in 1800–01. This sketch shows him exploring the picturesque potential of the medieval abbey at Whalley. By the time Turner visited it, the building had fallen into disrepair.

Gallery label, August 2004

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