Immerse your students in art and history with a visit to Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre. We offer a diverse programme of activities.
Turner 250 is a year-long festival of special exhibitions and events to mark 250 years since the birth of painter JMW Turner.
To mark the 250th anniversary of Turner’s birth (23 April 1775), Guildhall Art Gallery are exhibiting his watercolour 'View at Hythe, Kent', from their collection, for the first time in 20 years. Created in 1824, it depicts a view from a cliff top in Hythe, Kent, with infantrymen hauling a cannon uphill and a defensive gun emplacement in the foreground. During the Napoleonic Wars, Hythe was transformed by military fortifications and an influx of soldiers.
Turner's life and work were deeply influenced by the wars Britain was involved in during his early years. His art showcases his keen observation of contemporary history and reflects the impact of conflicts on British society, including coastal defences, soldiers, and the economic strain of war taxes.
Turner was known for his innovative techniques, including his practice of painting outdoors directly from nature, which allowed him to capture the transient effects of light and weather with remarkable immediacy. His use of watercolour was particularly masterful, employing washes and glazes to create luminous, atmospheric effects. This piece is a testament to Turner's ability to capture the essence of Britain's wartime landscape and its impact on society.
