Mr. Turner in Print
Mr. Turner in Print. In light of the incredible new big screen portrayal of Joseph Mallord William Turner, we take a look at the eccentric British painter's works in print. Timothy Spall as J.M.W. Turner in Mike Leigh's 'Mr. Turner'. Joseph Mallord William Turner was born at 21 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London. The son of William Turner (1745–1829), a barber and wig-maker, and his wife Mary, née Marshall (1739–1804). At home his father encouraged his artistic talent and showed off his drawings in his shop. In December 1789, after a term’s probation, Turner entered the Royal Academy Schools. Turner’s varied activities indicate wide interests as well as a need to fund his Academy education. The flourishing market for landscape and antiquarian topography, whether watercolours for exhibition and sale or reproduction in prints and books, provided his first real income. Here are some examples of Turner's topographical work, both ske...