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

D03778–D03801, D40809–D40810

Turner Bequest LXIV 1–22a

Sketchbook bound in grey laid card
22 leaves of buff laid paper; page size 175 x 111 mm
Numbered 389 as part of the Turner Schedule in 1854, and endorsed by three of the Executors of the Turner Bequest inside front cover (D40810)
Blind-stamped with Turner Bequest monogram on front cover, towards top left
Inscribed in pencil ‘LXIV’ top right
Stamped in black ‘LXIV’ top right

Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856

As the Turner Bequest Executors noted (see under D40810), this is a book of relatively small importance, having only a few rather slight drawings unrelated, as far as is known, to any projects. A date around 1801–2, when the On a Lee Shore (1) and (2) sketchbooks (Tate; Turner Bequest LXVII, LXVIII) were probably in use, seems likely; Finberg gives circa 1801.1 The scenery recorded here seems to be that of the South Downs, perhaps between Seaford and Eastbourne.

Finberg records ‘Turner’s label on back’ (meaning the spine) inscribed ‘104 –’;2 it is no longer extant.