Introduce older people to the world of JMW Turner

Exploring the creative output of some of the UK’s greatest artists is a common pursuit for older people and anyone living on the south coast has the opportunity to delve deep into the history of one of the country’s most famous painters.

JMW Turner was born in London and travelled all over Europe during his career, but an important part of his oeuvre was produced in West Sussex. For residents at nursing homes in Chichester, an impressive collection of his work is just a short trip away in nearby Petworth.

The artist would often stay at Petworth House and paint for the Earl of Egremont George O’Brien Wyndham, who paid him for his creative visits. He was widely regarded for his ability to create rural landscapes and several pictures feature local landmarks, such as the Chichester Canal.

JMW Turner

Joseph Mallord William Turner lived from 1775 – 1851 and is acclaimed for his use of watercolours in landscape paintings. An indication of how well-respected he was in his day is that he was buried in St Paul’s Cathedral in London, while his artistic legacy is equally grand; his work is often cited as a key step towards impressionism.

Among his most famous paintings are ‘The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up’, ‘Wreckers Coast of Northumberland’ and ‘Calais Pier’. In a public poll commissioned by the BBC in 2005, ‘The Fighting Temeraire’ was named the greatest painting in the country.

Petworth House

Aside from the chance to see some of Turner’s paintings, a visit to Petworth House will also allow people to see pictures by a number of world renowned artists like Antoon Van Dyck. But the 17th century mansion has more to it than just its art collection.

A National Trust landmark, the stately home boasts a 700-acre deer park and its interior holds a stunning range of period furniture. While in the area visitors should be sure to check out Petworth, which is an ancient market town featuring all the winding streets and quaint buildings you would expect from such a venerable old destination.