The annual exhibition of Watercolours by English artist J.M.W. Turner at The National Gallery of Ireland forms part of a traditional ritual for many visitors to the gallery at this time of year. However, this year’s outing features an exciting twist, as an exchange with the National Galleries of Scotland brings Scotland’s Vaughan Bequest to Dublin, while Ireland’s Turner collection is displayed in Edinburgh.
The exchange is part of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of J.M.W. Turner’s birth that enables visitors in both Scotland and Ireland to connect with works from the Henry Vaughan Bequest they don’t often get to see.
Art collector Henry Vaughan wanted his collection to be enjoyed by a wide audience, while also being keen to ensure that best practice was adhered to in displaying and caring for his delicate collection of Turner watercolours.
In keeping with this, Vaughan stipulated in his will that 31 watercolours be given to the National Gallery of Ireland on condition that they be “exhibited to the public all at one time free of charge during the month of January in every year”.
This exchange, which sees the Turner works from the Scottish national collection on display at the National Gallery of Ireland, is very much in the spirit of Vaughan’s generous bequest, offering an opportunity to see some works that regular visitors to the Turner Watercolours exhibition in Dublin may not be familiar with.
The works on loan featured in this year’s Dublin exhibition range from Turner’s detailed topographical views of the 1790s to the vibrant and expressive watercolours of Venice and the Alps that highlight his innovative techniques.
The Turner Watercolours are on view in the National Gallery of Ireland until 31 January 2022. Admission is free. Meanwhile, at the same time, the National Galleries of Scotland will showcase Ireland’s Turner collection in the Royal Scottish Academy Building, Edinburgh. The 2025 exhibition is curated by Anne Hodge of the National Gallery of Ireland and Charlotte Topsfield of the National Galleries of Scotland.
The exhibition is supported by Grant Thornton, Turner Exhibitions Partner, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Words: Martina Murray
Featured Image: JMW Turner (1775-1851) The Piazzetta, Venice, 1840. Collection: National Galleries of Scotland Henry Vaughan Bequest 1900.