A revered painting of a Welsh castle, created by one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished artists, is set to return to Chepstow.
In 1794, when he was only 19, JMW Turner crafted a watercolour depicting Chepstow Castle perched above the River Wye. Believed to be made during the artist’s inaugural tour of South Wales, this piece is one of only two known Turner paintings showcasing this view.
Once displayed at the Chepstow Museum, the artwork will return there in the summer.
Joseph Mallord William Turner, who passed away in 1851, is widely regarded as Britain’s foremost landscape painter. His nickname, “the painter of light,” reflects his exceptional skill in capturing vivid landscapes and seascapes.
After being put up for auction in March, MonLife Heritage purchased the painting with financial support from the V&A, Beecroft Bequest, Brecknock Arts Trust, and MonLife museums’ acquisitions fund.
Councillor Sara Burch of Monmouthshire Council commented, “This piece will become the crowning treasure of Monmouthshire’s collection of paintings and drawings inspired by the Wye Valley.”
She added, “I hope today’s aspiring artists will view it and be motivated. We believed acquiring a significant artwork like this was unattainable until generous funders stepped forward to secure the painting for the nation and Monmouthshire.”
As anticipation builds for the return of Turner’s Chepstow Castle painting to Wales, plans are underway to celebrate its homecoming. The Chepstow Museum will host an exhibition featuring the piece and other works inspired by the Wye Valley, showcasing the region’s rich artistic history.
The museum also intends to collaborate with local schools and art institutions, offering workshops, lectures, and educational programs centred around the iconic painting. This initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Turner’s work and inspire the next generation of regional artists.
David Llewellyn, a curator at Chepstow Museum, expressed his excitement about the painting’s return, stating, “We are thrilled to have this masterpiece by JMW Turner back in Chepstow. It’s an exceptional example of Turner’s early work and a unique representation of the Wye Valley that will undoubtedly draw visitors and art enthusiasts to our museum.”
The successful acquisition of Turner’s Chepstow Castle painting highlights the importance of collaboration among various organizations and individuals committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. It serves as a testament to the power of art in fostering community pride and inspiring creative expression for generations to come.
