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Spotlight on J.M.W. Turner with Hattie Bennett

Spotlight on J.M.W. Turner with Hattie Bennett


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J.M.W Turner's sublime paintings of nature encapsulate the romantic sentiment of the early 19th century. His paintings have been described as the first examples of modern art with his rejection of form and line for atmosphere and expression in his depictions of land, sky, and sea. Famous in his own lifetime his work was highly influential on French contemporary artists, and later the French Impressionists. 
Born in London, he did not conform to the usually polished ideal of an artist. Bluff and gruff his later work scandalized the and critics but his genius was supported by the young John Ruskin who claimed he saw the hand of God in Turner's paintings.
Our conversation will trace Turner's life and work from his acceptance into the Royal Academy schools at 14 to his status of British National Treasure - his Fighting Temeraire voted the "Nation's Favourite" and now on the back of the £20 note.
Led by an expert on Art History, Hattie Bennett, this conversation will examine Turner's life and work. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the development, style, and influence of Turner's art.
This conversation has been designed to be enjoyed as a sing seminar, or as part of a series. For more information on our upcoming series of Artistic Spotlights, please click here.

Hattie has a degree in History of Art and an MA in Historic Interiors, she has a life-long passion and fascination in Fine and Decorative Arts, particularly works produced in Europe from the 16th to 18th century. After working for the Royal Collection in the Print Room at Windsor Castle, she was a curator for a private collector of 17th and 18th century prints and drawings. Hattie has worked for London's foremost framer of important old master paintings during which time she sharpened her appreciation and understanding of the decorative arts and the changing tastes of collecting. Recently she has been dealing in prints and works of art as well as taking groups of all ages to museums and galleries.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
75%
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25%
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N. (Victoria, CA)
Fabulous

Ms. Bennett did a spectacular job of discussing Turner's life and art.

B
Bonnie Gale (Briarcliff Manor, US)
A very interesting and informative talk

This was a very interesting and very informative talk. Hattie Bennett clearly knows her subject and I would have been happy to sit and continue the lecture as long as she wanted. Her slides were very informative and I really learned a lot and will look for other lectures she gives.

A
Anonymous (Dallas, US)

Guest did not leave comment

N
N.L. (Rhinebeck, US)
The whole narrative of JMW Turner

This was a historical account of Turner's life and the development of his work by a well-informed curator and lecturer. Facts about his early career and the influence of Lorraine were especially fascinating. Perhaps there was so much material - paintings and drawings over 60 years - there couldn't be much attention given to the late great work.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
75%
(3)
25%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
N
N. (Victoria, CA)
Fabulous

Ms. Bennett did a spectacular job of discussing Turner's life and art.

B
Bonnie Gale (Briarcliff Manor, US)
A very interesting and informative talk

This was a very interesting and very informative talk. Hattie Bennett clearly knows her subject and I would have been happy to sit and continue the lecture as long as she wanted. Her slides were very informative and I really learned a lot and will look for other lectures she gives.

A
Anonymous (Dallas, US)

Guest did not leave comment

N
N.L. (Rhinebeck, US)
The whole narrative of JMW Turner

This was a historical account of Turner's life and the development of his work by a well-informed curator and lecturer. Facts about his early career and the influence of Lorraine were especially fascinating. Perhaps there was so much material - paintings and drawings over 60 years - there couldn't be much attention given to the late great work.