James WardView in Tabley Park 1813-18

This picture was commissioned from Ward by the owner of Tabley House, Sir John Leicester. He was a prominent collector who also owned works by Turner, including a view of the lake and tower at Tabley.

Ward had Turner's painting in mind when he told his patron that he 'had to tell a story that has been told before so beautifully' but with 'poetic liberties as to the Picturesque'. Ward claimed that his own version would attempt 'a more rigid attention to truth'. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1814.