Print projects were an important source of income for Turner. Hornby Castle is an example of a watercolour he made to be engraved. It illustrated a History of Richmondshire within a proposed larger series of Yorkshire views. Here, Turner’s interpretation of the northern landscape focuses on rural life. A cow is being milked in the foreground, a family walk past a man on a donkey, and a cart passes a rural dwelling. The backdrop is made up of scenic hills. The castle itself is almost part of the background, though quite centrally placed within the overall composition.

Provenance: Victoria and Albert Museum: Given by John Sheepshanks, 1857

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Watercolour on paper
Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851)
Date: 1818

Image Details
Date: 19 June 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 250
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.