Turner Prized

I know culture me …

Martin and I got the bus into Edinburgh to visit the Royal Academy, where we saw the Vaughan Turner Bequest. 

In 1900 Henry Vaughan (1809-1899) bequeathed 31 watercolours by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) to the National Gallery of Ireland and 38 to the National Galleries of Scotland (a bequest was also made to the National Gallery in London). 

Vaughan specified that his watercolours could only be exhibited 'all at one time free of charge and in the month of January and no longer. For over a century, Vaughan's Turners have brought light to winter days on both sides of the Irish Sea.

In 2025, to mark the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth, the two galleries are exchanging Vaughan Bequests for the first time.

It was lovely to see these watercolours for the first time, and I’m sure the Dubliners will enjoy the Scottish bequest.

After the Gallery we had some lunch before heading back.

We always like to start the year off with a bit of culture.

I hope you have enjoyed today.