Britain is poised for a landmark year in 2025 as institutions across the UK prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner, the visionary painter often hailed as Britain’s greatest artist. This morning’s announcement unveiled Turner 250, a year-long programme of exhibitions, events, and cultural initiatives dedicated to exploring the life, work, and enduring influence of the artist whose name is synonymous with British art.
Organised by leading institutions such as Tate, the BBC, and Art UK, alongside regional galleries and international partners, Turner 250 promises a comprehensive tribute to the artist behind some of the most iconic depictions of the natural world. From blockbuster exhibitions in London, Edinburgh, and Manchester to intimate displays in Bath, Norwich, and Sussex, the festival spans the length and breadth of the country. Highlights include the Turner Prize being staged in Bradford as part of the UK City of Culture programme and a major retrospective of Turner’s influence on modern and contemporary art in Margate.
Born 1775 in Covent Garden, Turner rose from humble beginnings to redefine landscape painting, capturing the drama of Britain’s natural scenery with a revolutionary approach to light, colour, and movement. Today, his works remain a cornerstone of British cultural identity, from the £20 note to the halls of Tate Britain, home to the world’s most extensive collection of his art.
Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, emphasised Turner’s centrality to British art: “Turner is a standout figure in the story of British creativity. It is Tate’s privilege to care for the world’s biggest collection of his art and showcase it to the widest possible public. Over this year, I’m delighted that we will be showing over 150 of his stunning works at Tate Britain and lending over 100 more to venues across this country and beyond.”
Among the 30-plus projects announced, a few standouts include:
A complete digitisation of JMW Turner’s 37,500 sketches and watercolours is to be made available on Tate’s website.
A new BBC documentary exploring Turner’s life and creative mind, accompanied by a screening of Mike Leigh’s award-winning Mr Turner at BFI Southbank.
Themed exhibitions examine Turner’s connections to contemporaries like Jane Austen and John Constable.
Turner’s international legacy will also be highlighted, with exhibitions planned in Connecticut, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Dublin. Meanwhile, an international conference at Tate Britain and a summit at Turner Contemporary in Margate will explore Turner’s influence on art and its relationship to the natural world.
JMW Turner’s birthday, 23 April 2025, will be a focal point for the celebrations. That day will see the announcement of the Turner Prize shortlist, unveiling a refreshed Turner display at Tate Britain’s Clore Gallery, and a special exhibition at Turner’s House in Twickenham featuring his lesser-known wildlife imagery.
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant underscored the significance of the occasion:
“Turner was one of this country’s greatest artists. An innovator who created some of our best-known canvases, he reshaped British art. A talent of Turner’s stature requires a year of celebration, from the prize in his name to the back of the £20 note. The 250th anniversary of his birth will allow the public to immerse themselves in our outstanding artistic heritage.”
As the nation prepares to rediscover Turner’s brilliance, Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts & Classical Music TV, expressed her enthusiasm:
“We’re thrilled to work with Tate to celebrate Britain’s most celebrated artist and be granted unprecedented access to Turner’s vast collection of rarely seen sketches. I can’t wait to share this treasure trove with audiences, illuminating the workings of Turner’s unique creative mind and offering an unprecedented view into the extraordinary era of change during his lifetime.”
From grand retrospectives to local showcases, JMW Turner 250 invites audiences to engage with the artist’s genius and timeless ability to capture the sublime. In 2025, Turner’s vision will once again light up the world.