Turner In Light and Shade
7 February – 2 November 2025
Marking the 250th anniversary of his birth, this exhibition explores the work and technique of legendary British landscape artist J.M.W Turner.
J.M.W Turner (1775–1851) remains one of Britain’s most renowned landscape painters whose work continues to inspire generations of artists. This exhibition explores his most remarkable but overlooked series of landscape prints, the Liber Studiorum. Translating as ‘Book of Studies’ and published in fourteen parts from 1807–19, Turner created the series at the height of his fame.
The exhibition will pair Turner’s evocative Liber prints with a series of Turner’s watercolours from the Whitworth’s collection, as well as loaned works from public and private collections. Visitors are invited to explore Turner’s artistic legacy and the significance of his prints.
Last presented at the Whitworth over 100 years ago and marking 250 years since his birth, this exhibition presents all 71 of Turner’s published prints. Offering a fresh perspective on Turner. Together they show how the artist’s use of colour and atmospheric effects in painting were reimagined in print using line, tone and negative space.
This exhibition is supported by the Manchester Accommodation BID.
The Manchester Accommodation BID has provided crucial support for theJ.M.W Turner: In Light and Shadeexhibition at the Whitworth in Manchester. The Accommodation BID receives and manages funds derived from the £1 charge levied on guests visiting Manchester overnight, using the funds to promote and amplify events and activities that bring more people to visit and stay.
Caption: Joseph Mallord William Turner, Castle Upnor, Kent, (detail) c.1831–32. J.M.W Turner © the Whitworth, The University of Manchester
Further information:
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10.00 am-5.00 pm; open until 9.00 pm on Thursdays
- Location: The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER
- Getting there: By foot: 20-30 minures from Manchester city centre; By Bike: Sheffield stands and lockers (£1 coin, refundable) both available at the gallery; By Bus: 15, 41, 42, 43, 140 – 143, 147 – ask for bus stop nearest MRI, Oxford Road; By Metrolink: St Peter’s Square (plus 10 minutes on the bus or 20 minutes on foot); Train: Oxford Road (plus 10 minutes on the bus or 20 minutes on foot); By Car: On-street parking (maximum stay, 2 hours) on Denmark Road. Nearest car park Cecil Street
- Admission is free
