J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

There is possibly a figure at the back of the heavily laden cart on the left. Turner appears to indicate the tops of a consignment of upright barrels, and there may be a sign board at the front. The sketch is less clear on the right, and it is uncertain whether a coach-like vehicle or a pile of goods is indicated beyond the horses. It is possible to read the inscription as ‘Bass’, which could refer to the long-established Burton upon Trent brewer, or simply as ‘Bags’. There is no indication of the setting, but it may be a halt on the early stages of the journey to the West Country.