Artists Tour

TURNER

Born in 1775, J.M.W Turner was an English Romantic landscape painter, water-colourist and printmaker, whose style is said to have laid the foundation for Impressionism. From Yorkshire and the Lake District to Oxford and Brighton, Turner's best works were inspired by many English landscapes.

NEW: Turner Art Lovers break
One of Turner's most famous paintings, Ruskin's View, features St. Mary's Church in Kirkby Lonsdale in the Lake District and the backdrop of the River Lune. Selling at auction for a price-tag of almost £225,000 in 2012, the original painting depicts a scene described by Victorian art critic John Ruskin as "one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world". To celebrate the release of the new Mr Turner movie, an historic inn just moments away from the famous scene immortalised by the 19th century painter is launching a new Art Lovers break. The five-star Sun Inn in Kirkby Lonsdale is offering a special two night retreat in November and December for anyone with an appreciation for artistic inspiration. The Sun Inn's Art Lovers break includes a two night stay with a full Cumbrian breakfast, dinner for two in its AA rosette-rated restaurant, a handy walking guide taking in the inspirational landscape of Ruskin's View and the meandering River Lune, and a complimentary coloured print of Ruskin's View to take home. Prices start from £300 per room based on two people sharing for two nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (midweek).

www.sun-inn.info

NEW: Set-jetting and National Trust Exhibition
This autumn, Petworth House and Park – the National Trust's magnificent 17th century mansion in West Sussex – stars Mr. Turner. The film received rave reviews at Cannes Film Festival, where Timothy Spall was named Best Actor for his performance as the eccentric genius artist. Director Mike Leigh filmed for just over a week at Petworth House, which was the seat of one of Turner's greatest patrons - the third Earl of Egremont, played by Patrick Godfrey in the film. Turner famously had the run of the house when he visited, and annexed the enormous library as his art studio, which is vividly brought back to life in the film. The scene-stealer in the movie is the splendid Carved Room - in one shot, Turner and the Earl are seen studying four landscapes recently completed by the artist. These paintings can still be viewed in their original position today. From 10 January to 11 March 2015 Petworth House hosts Mr. Turner – an exhibition, which will feature major artworks and original items belonging to Turner himself, together with props and visuals from the film. The Old Library – used by Turner as a studio and normally closed to the public - will also be open during the exhibition. Tickets are £12 and booking opens on 13 October.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworthturner

NEW: Turner Tours
To coincide with the film release of Mr Turner, Turner Contemporary in Margate is working with local partners to offer the chance to experience J.M.W Turner's Margate as part of a two day self-guided tour. From 31 October until 30 November, experience a unique two day itinerary in Margate inspired by the artist and his love of the town. The itinerary involves everything from a visit to his works at Turner Contemporary, the site where he frequently stayed at Mrs Booth's residence, to enjoying Margate's breath-taking sunsets from the Bay restaurant balcony at the Sands Hotel, an inspiration for Turner and what he quoted as "the loveliest skies in all Europe".

www.turnercontemporary.org/news/experience-mr-turner-s-margate-this-autumn

CONSTABLE

John Constable was an English Romantic painter. Born in Suffolk in 1776, he is known principally for his landscape paintings of Dedham Vale, the area surrounding his home - now known as Constable Country. Flatford lies in the heart of Dedham Vale - this charming hamlet was the inspiration for some of Constable's most famous pictures, for example, the Hay Wain or Boatbuilding near Flatford Mill among many others. Wandering beside the River Stour or looking at Flatford Mill and Willy Lotts House you feel as if you are actually walking through one of his paintings.Take a look at an exhibition about Constable in Bridge Cottage and enjoy the riverside tearoom.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford-bridge-cottage

NEW: V&A exhibition
This autumn the V&A's major exhibition Constable: The Making of a Master (20 September 2014 to 11 January 2015) re-examines the work of John Constable. It explores his sources, techniques and legacy and reveals the hidden stories behind the creation of some of his most well-known paintings.

www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-constable-the-making-of-a-master

LOWRY

Born in Lancashire in 1887, L.S. Lowry is best known for his paintings of the industrial landscapes of the north of England. His stylised pictures of coalmines, factories and terraced houses were mostly painted around Pendlebury and Salford, near Manchester. The Salford that L.S. Lowry depicted in his paintings is a far cry from the modern city you'll see today. Salford Quays is awash with silver and glass, the sunlight glinting off the aluminium of The Lowry gallery – designed by James Stirling to look like a ship. Inside, the bright and welcoming space contrasts with the artist's industrial scenes of Salford and Manchester – and of course his famous "stick-men".

www.thelowry.com

HOCKNEY

David Hockney, considered one of the world's greatest living artists, was born in Bradford in July 1937. A Yorkshire man at heart, Hockney takes inspiration from his surroundings, and much of his work focuses on the Wolds. He first painted the Wolds in 1997, then did further pieces in 2002/2003 first sketching, then experimenting with water colours, before working in the open air to produce large oil paintings that led to the massive "Bigger Trees near Warter" in 2007, which he presented to the Tate Gallery. Hockney's Yorkshire spans the width of the county from his ancestors' humble beginnings as agricultural labourers in East Yorkshire, to his childhood in Bradford, his long association with the Silver family at Salts Mill in Saltaire and the world famous East Yorkshire landscapes that have captured the hearts of millions of people around the world. Take in the sights that inspired the Godfather of British art on the Hockney Trail:

www.yorkshire.com/join-in/magazine/the-david-hockney-trail

HOGARTH

William Hogarth was a painter, engraver and satirist from London. Born in 1697, he is credited with pioneering western sequential art. Best known for his series paintings of 'modern moral subjects', of which he sold engravings on subscription, some of his works can be seen at The National Gallery. Hogarth's House in Chiswick, built around 1700, was the country home of Hogarth from 1749 until his death. Hogarth's House is marking the 250th anniversary of the death of 'the father of English Painting' with a new exhibition of self-portraits by contemporary artists in honour of Hogarth entitled 'Small Self'. The exhibition runs from September 2014 to 11 January 2015, from Tuesday to Sunday, and includes contributions by major British artists and celebrities.

www.hounslow.info/arts-culture/historic-houses-museums/hogarth-house