centre please close this tab or window to return to the abstract right

 page 1 of 11
J.M.W. TURNER
Events Recorded by Miller for 1792-1793 - Introduction

:

Evidence for two tours of Kent are found on pages xxv and xxvi in 'Turner and Girtin's Picturesque Views, Sixty Years Since' (1854); published by Joseph Hogarth who later, in 1864, took possession of 'The rising squall, hot wells, from St. Vincent's rock, Bristol' (Exhibited RA 1793) and 'The Country Waggon, Snowdon - Early Morning', both of which were previously in the possession of Rev. Dr. Francis Russell Nixon, Bishop of Tasmania.

:
  • Kent Tour 1 (From Finberg we know that this tour started in September 1792 and included a visit to Canterbury)
    Miller refers to it as "the previous occasion"; before the summer of 1793.

    During the outward Journey JMW Turner went at least as far as Rochester but Miller does not give further information or the final destination
    On the return journey JMW Turner stayed at Rochester with the Rev. James Douglas then went on to Foot's Cray where JMW Turner stayed with Rev. Robert Nixon.

    Miller does not distinguish between the outward and return journeys. The information he provides places purchase of Turner's first oil paint in Rochester, his first oil picture started in Rochester and the completion of an oil picture at Foots Cray. Since Turner could not have painted in oil at Foots Cray without oil paint it follows that the Foots Cray oil was painted after the paint purchase at Rochester. Turner was therefore travelling from Rochester to Foots Cray, Foots Cray is closer to London; Turner was therefore travelling towards London: he was on the return journey.
  • Kent Tour 2 (From Finberg we know that the most likely starting date for this tour was just after 12th August 1793.[Finberg page 23, lines 11-15] and in a footnote on page 23 quotes Thornbury's reference to Edward Bell accompanying Turner on this tour)
    Miller refers to it as "in the summer of 1793".
    • This Tour was predominantly in fulfilment of the Walker commission
    • Sketches for 1794 exhibits were made on this tour but not specifically mentioned by Miller.