This stunning book is a beautifully produced near-facsimilie of JMW Turner’s sketchbook collecting and reproducing Turner’s ‘Wilson’ studies. It even includes the section in which Turner used his sketchbook upside down in his haste to sketch!”

Of the nearly three hundred sketchbooks now in the care of the Clore Gallery, the little book reproduced here is one of the most delightful and fascinating. It marks an important stage in the development of Turner’s practice as a draughtsman and was in use when he was only 21 years old. Originally marked with ‘Copies of Wilson’ on the cover, this charming little book is a testimony to the phase of studenthood in Turner’s development, Richard Wilson being the supreme exponent of landscape painting in eighteenth century Britain, and Turner’s hero and chief model.

This edition of the sketchbook reproduces all these beautiful drawings and watercolours, with an illustrated introduction by Turner expert Andrew Wilton discussing their background and impact.