In the early 1900’s Henry Vaughan bequeathed 31 watercolours by William Turner to the National 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.
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.
The Turner exhibition is in the Print Gallery and admission is free.
