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Turner Watercolour Exhibition
In the early 1900's Henry Vaughan bequethed 31 watercolours by William Turner to the Natioanl Gallery of Ireland with the requirement that they could only be exhibited in January. The reason for the stipulation was this to protect the works from the effects of sunlight, which is at its weakest that month.
Although with modern lighting and technology this could be overcome, the gallery have been true to his wishes and the paintings are on display only during the first month of each year.
We may not think of Turners wonderful watercolours as cutting-edge or even controversial to-day, but when they are seen alongside other contemporary work on display in the gallery it is easy to see why they caused such a stir in their time.
In 2008 the Turner exhibition was complemented by a display of eighteenth- and nineteenth- century silhouettes and miniatures from the Mary A. McNeill Bequest, which includes works by John Comerford, Henry Bone, John Miers and Nathaniel Hone the Elder.
The Exhibition is accompanied each year by a number of public lectures and events.
Admission is free to this exhibition and to the accommpanying events, though some events may need prior booking, and it is a fabulous way to spend a dull January afternoon.
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What else to do in Dublin?
For a look at some other activities and attractions that we recommend within reach of this event, including tour itineraries and articles of interest, see our Dublin City Area Guide.
