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JMW Turner’s Life and Works
One-day course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Join us on this study day as we trace the irregular trajectory of Turner’s life and work. JMW Turner has been described as the first truly modern British painter. His work has been linked to the Romantic movement, which swept across Europe in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries and his late works, in particular their seeming abandonment of form and use of strong, bold colours, have been associated with the rise of Impressionism in the 1870s. Yet, when he died in 1851 his work was widely ridiculed and criticised in the press and his behaviour was described as erratic and eccentric.
What made Turner great? Join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth, and explore what how Turner was a master in oils, watercolour and prints.
This study day will take place in-person at V&A South Kensington and will also be live streamed via Microsoft Teams.
> Prefer the flexibility of online? Book now for JMW Turner’s Life and Works (online)
Please note, the study day will not be recorded.
> Prefer the flexibility of online? Book now for JMW Turner’s Life and Works (online)
Please note, the study day will not be recorded.
Course leader
Dr Matthew Morgan
Dr Matthew Morgan is a freelance art historian, educator and museum professional. Previously Museum Director of Turner's House, and currently an Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London. He has worked in the heritage sector for 10 years, including at the Royal Collection, the National Gallery, the Wallace Collection and the V&A.
I loved every minute. It was a wonderful and varied programme. Completely absorbing. Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
Turner was an artist of incredible breadth and range who was a master in oils, watercolour and prints. This art history study day will explore how Turner was constantly experimenting to find ways to convey emotions through his work. On this year, the 250th anniversary of his birth, we will look at Turner’s works in the V&A’s collection, as well as others, to investigate what made this artist special.
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One-day course: JMW Turner’s Life and Works
9 October 2025
£100.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
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+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Related events
Header image: Venice from the Giudecca, Oil painting entitled 'Venice from the Giudecca' by Joseph Mallord William Turner. British School, 1840. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London