The Turner Bequest
The final settlement
After the Second World War, the Gallery did not resume the display of Turner’s two paintings next to Claude's (view paintings).
This was partly due to limitations on space in a bomb damaged Gallery, but it was also due to a reconsideration of the agreement that had been made in 1856.
The Gallery claimed that:
‘the moral issue raised by the terms of Turner’s will is no longer in question’ [given that Turner’s reputation as Claude’s equal was now acknowledged, and] ‘it would scarcely be necessary for that reason alone to continue the arrangement’.
In 1968 the National Gallery and Tate (which had formally separated from the Gallery in 1955) agreed that the collection of British paintings in each gallery should be more clearly defined.
Seven paintings were selected for the National Gallery to represent the full range and influence of Turner’s work. At the same time, press interest prompted the Gallery to reconsider their display of the Turners and Claudes.
The paintings were reunited, initially alongside the British paintings, then with the French pictures, and finally in Room 15 (as pictured above and right), where they remain today.
Find out more about Turner and view his paintings in the collection
Related events
Exhibition: 14 March - 5 June 2012
See also
- The archive records the activities of the Gallery from 1824 to the present day
External links
- Find out more about Turner at the Tate Britain website
