Output details

Turner and the Masters/Turner et ses Peintres/Turner y los Maestros

This output is an exhibition based on research undertaken over a nine-year period, though mainly in 2001-2 and between 2006 and 2009. The catalogue is one component of the Research Output, to be considered as an integral part of it, along with the actual display of works. Evidence is presented in the form of a portfolio containing a timeline and the English-language version of the catalogue. The exhibition was designed to deliver the research findings in physical form so that scale, surface qualities, compositional traits, selected subjects and the juxtapositions and sequence of exhibits could be experienced and assessed by exhibition goers in the space of the exhibition venues. Research into Turner’s engagements with the works of other artists, old masters and contemporaries, was undertaken by Solkin from winter 2002, leading to the presentation of a formal exhibition proposal (with preliminary list of works for inclusion) to the Director of Tate Britain, in July of that year. Continuing research culminated in the installation of the exhibition in London and production of the catalogue in 2009. The process of developing the exhibition is detailed in the timeline. Corroboration of the activities listed in the timeline and Solkin’s lead role in the curatorial process is available from Dr Stephen Deuchar (former Director of Tate Britain; SDeuchar@artfund.org) and Dr Martin Myrone (Tate Britain; martin.myrone@tate.org.uk).

This was a major touring exhibition of over 100 works, accompanied by a substantial scholarly catalogue; together they constitute the first comprehensive presentation and analysis ever attempted of JMW Turner’s extensive engagements with earlier and contemporary masters – a central component of his entire artistic enterprise. As guest curator for the exhibition and as editor and co-author of the catalogue, Solkin was instrumentally involved in every aspect of the project between 2002 and 2009; his heaviest commitments were from 2005 onwards, when he visited numerous collections, attended frequent planning meetings, and carried out several campaigns of intensive writing and research.