One of Britain’s greatest artists, J.M.W. Turner lived and worked at the peak of the industrial revolution. Steam replaced sail; machine-power replaced manpower; political and social reforms transformed society.
Many artists ignored these changes but Turner faced up to these new challenges. This exhibition will show how he transformed the way he painted to better capture this new world.
Beginning in the 1790s, when Turner first observed the effects of modern life, the exhibition will follow his fascination with the impact of industrialisation. It will show how he became involved in the big political questions of the time: campaigning against slavery and making paintings that expressed the horrors of the Napoleonic Wars.
This landmark exhibition will bring together major works by Turner from Tate and other collections, including The Fighting Temeraire 1839 and Rail, Steam and Speed 1844. It will explore what it meant to be a modern artist in his lifetime and present an exciting new perspective on his work and life.
Exhibition organised by Tate Britain in association with the Kimbell Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Joseph Mallord William Turner
Snow Storm - Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth (exhibited 1842)
Tate
Joseph Mallord William Turner Whalers c.1845 Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
Joseph Mallord William Turner The Field of Waterloo c. 1817 Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge Bequeathed by A.W. Fawkes, 1942
Joseph Mallord William Turner Wreck of a Transport Ship c. 1801 Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisbon
Our exhibition guide explores the exhibition room by room.
Need a bigger font size of the exhibition guide? Download the large print version [PDF 2.95Mb]
Tate Britain's Manton Entrance is on Atterbury Street. It has automatic sliding doors and there is a ramp down to the entrance with central handrails.
This exhibition is on the lower floor.
The main level has an immersive installation Duveens Commission – RUPTURE NO.1: blowtorching the bitten peach which includes sudden loud noises. Quiet hours will be available on select dates for those who require a quieter visit. During this time the sounds for the Duveens commission will be turned off.
- Accessible and standard toilets are located on the lower floor
- Changing Places toilets are currently not available at Tate Britain
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the information desk
For more information before your visit:
Email hello@tate.org.uk
Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 – option 1 (daily 09.45–18.00)
Visitor numbers are being carefully managed. There are increased cleaning regimes in high use areas, protective screens on desks and counters and hand sanitiser dispensers throughout the gallery.
When you visit:
- Keep your distance from others
- Follow the one-way route
- Please wear a face covering unless you are exempt
Most importantly, if you or anyone you live with has COVID-19 symptoms please stay at home.
For more information take a look through our frequently asked questions.
