J.M.W. Turner 1775-1851 was perhaps the most prolific and innovative of all British artists. His outstanding watercolours in the Scottish National Gallery are one of the most popular features of its collection. Bequeathed to the Gallery in 1899 by the distinguished collector Henry Vaughan, they have been exhibited, as he requested, every January for over 100 years. Renowned for their excellent state of preservation, they provide a remarkable overview of many of the most important aspects of Turner's career.

This richly illustrated book provides a commentary on the watercolours, addressing questions of technique and function, as well as considering some of the numerous contacts Turner had with other artists, collectors and dealers. The introduction concentrates on Henry Vaughan, one of the greatest enthusiasts for British art in the late nineteenth century, whose diverse collections have not previously been fully appreciated.

National Galleries of Scotland's 'Turner in January' exhibition was featured on Art Mag's website. - Art Mag
The Turner exhibition by National Galleries of Scotland was featured by The National. - The National
The Turner exhibition by National Galleries of Scotland was featured by The Times. - The Times
"The annual Turner extravaganza at the National Gallery of Ireland comes with a new twist in 2025. This year our gallery is celebrating the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner's birth with an exciting exchange with the National Galleries of Scotland." - Irish Examiner
"Visitors to the Turner in January exhibition will have the opportunity to see a new selection of over 30 watercolours that have never been seen before in Scotland, in an exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland." - The Edinburgh Reporter

Christopher Baker is Director, European and Scottish Art and Portraiture. He formerly curated the Christ Church collections in Oxford and was a researcher at the National Gallery, London. He has published extensively, notably on aspects of the history of collecting, and is currently writing the catalog of the English drawings in the collection of the Scottish National Gallery.

Charlotte Topsfield is Senior Curator of British Drawings and Prints and has a particular interest in watercolours and Scottish drawings.