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

With the sketchbook turned to the right are three sketches of shipping at Leith Roads. Although Turner has employed highly economic shorthand it is possible to make out certain topographical features behind the dozens of masts and spars.

In the centre of the top sketch are the outlines of Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, familiar from sketches such as folio 11 (D17528). Beneath this, step-shapes in the background represent Edinburgh Castle and a small dark shape near the water is labelled ‘Leith Martello’ tower, another feature familiar from various other drawings in this sketchbook (for example folio 53 verso; D17598). These features suggest that the second sketch in fact continues from the right side of the top sketch, suggesting in turn that the bottom sketch is a continuation from the middle one and therefore looks towards Granton Harbour.