This might seem like a bit of a departure from my previous posts but it is here for two reasons. First, I’m researching the works of JMW Turner in the North of England and specifically in Wharfedale as part of my PhD. This watercolour was painted by Turner in 1797/98 on his first visit to the North as the guest of the Lascelles family at Harewood.

This particular image was sketched in Rotherham and shows the interior of the Walker’s iron foundry, which brings me to point two. The foundry was the main supplier of guns for Nelson’s ship, HMS Victory. Victory features in my work during my MA appearing in the degree show in September 2023 as well as in my final degree show where it was included in the installation ‘A Coventry Boy’.

Seems I can’t escape from Nelson and his ship.