Details

Name

Joseph Mallord William Turner

Brief Biography

1775 – 1851, British / English

Occupation

Painter

Description

Turner was the son of a hairdresser, and one of the most remarkable landscape painters of modern times. At the age of 14 he entered the RA schools and soon made it evident that a new power had risen in English Art. He anticipated the works of the French 'Impressionists'. He was elected ARA in 1799, RA in 1802, and contributed regularly to the Academy's exhibitions from 1790 until 1850. He died in London and was buried by the side of Sir Joshua Reynolds in St Paul's Cathedral. He bequeathed a large collection of pictures to the nation and his remaining wealth he intended should go to the establishment of an institution for the benefit of decayed artists.