An exhibition exploring J.M.W Turner’s  work of Surrey has opened at The Lightbox in Woking.

When Turner moved to Syon Ferry House in Isleworth in 1805, he regularly took to the Thames and the River Wey with his paintboxes and fishing rod (happily included in the exhibition!) and created some of his most beautiful and naturalist works.

The exhibition, divided up into regions of Surrey, shows us views and vistas of Guildford, Richmond, Godalming, Woking, Virginia Water from the beginning of the nineteenth century.

The River Thames was very significant for Tuner. His touring trips inspired and  informed his work and influenced his life. Turner had Thames-side lodgings at Isleworth and in 1807 he bought a plot of land at Twickenham and built his own house there, Sandycombe, an engraving of which is also featured in the exhibition.

Some paintings, when viewed from afar, look Italianate in their colours: creamy yellows whipped up thick with ochre and browns shows the views in a warm light.

It’s an enchanting exhibition. Meditative, beautiful. Exquisite! You must see it this autumn. You will leave looking at Surrey in a completely different light!

‘Turner in Surrey’ is on at The Lightbox until March 2018. More information can be found on The Lightbox website.