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

With the page turned horizontally, the setting is Folkestone, as tentatively suggested by Finberg.1 The main view is apparently from the seaward end of the eastern pier, with various gear and a winch, looking across the narrow harbour entrance. The harbour was subsequently much expanded, and the western arm beyond radically remodelled. On the right, St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church stands high on the cliff to the west.

Along the top, the smaller view is likely north across the harbour back to houses lining the Stade, which do not survive; the repeated ‘w’ below them likely indicates white façades. There is a small study of sailing boats between the two prospects. This is among numerous sketches showing aspects of the harbour. The view towards the church on folio 10 recto opposite (D18859) is likely a partial reprise and continuation to the right of the present sketch, while folio 14 recto (D18867) shows a similar prospect from the western harbour arm. For Turner’s other Folkestone views in this book and elsewhere, see under folio 8 recto (D18855).