JMW Turner: Family Dynamics and Artistic Rivalries

The discussion surrounding JMW Turner’s family dynamics, particularly the mental health of his mother, Mary Turner, has gained renewed attention. Dr. Selby Whittingham, Secretary of the Independent Turner Society, argues that any mental illness Mary may have experienced was exacerbated by her frustrating living conditions in Covent Garden. This environment starkly contrasted with her more comfortable upbringing in Islington and the prosperous circumstances of her relatives. Whittingham's insights are drawn from his previous writings in various art journals and publications, including a recent piece for Turner 250, which commemorates the artist's legacy.

The Guardian

The rivalry between JMW Turner and John Constable is another focal point of discussion. In a personal anecdote, Whittingham recounts a meeting with the renowned painter Francis Bacon in 1969, where Bacon expressed a preference for Constable over Turner. This preference highlights the differing receptions of these two iconic British artists. Bacon's indifference towards Turner’s works during a visit to Petworth House, where he also dismissed William Blake's artistry, underscores the competitive nature of the art world during that era.

The Guardian

The dialogue surrounding Turner and Constable's legacies has also sparked criticism. Martin Argles, a London-based commentator, emphasizes the importance of studying Constable's work, particularly his painting "Dedham Vale," which he describes as a profound representation of countryside misery during the Enclosure Acts. This perspective challenges the notion that Constable's art is merely decorative, suggesting a deeper social commentary embedded within his landscapes.

The Guardian

In response to the ongoing discourse about Turner and his contemporaries, various art critics and historians have expressed their views. Whittingham's reflections on Mary Turner’s circumstances and Bacon’s artistic preferences contribute to a broader understanding of the influences that shaped Turner’s work. The contrasting opinions on the merits of Turner and Constable illustrate the complexities of artistic appreciation and rivalry.

The Guardian

• “, 27 November) is that whatever illness Mary may have had would have been greatly increased by the frustration that she must have felt with her circumstances in the mean lodging in Covent Garden, which her husband lacked the ambition to better.” — Dr. Selby Whittingham, Secretary, Independent Turner Society

The Guardian

• “I prefer Constable, he said.” he said. “The following day he felt obliged to go to Guildford (by himself) for a glass of burgundy.” — Dr. Selby Whittingham, recounting Francis Bacon's sentiments.

The Guardian

While there is a consensus on the significance of both Turner and Constable in British art history, opinions diverge on the interpretation of their works and the personal circumstances surrounding their lives. The extent of Mary Turner’s mental health issues and their impact on JMW Turner remains a subject of debate, with varying interpretations from different scholars and critics.

The Guardian

This exploration of JMW Turner’s familial influences and artistic rivalries not only sheds light on his personal life but also reflects the broader dynamics of the art world in the 19th century.

The Guardian