Turner
In Light and Shade
Marking the 250th anniversary of his birth, this exhibition will explore the work and technique of legendary British landscape artist J.M.W Turner.
J.M.W Turner (1775–1851) remains one of Britain’s most renowned landscape painters whose work continues to inspire generations of artists. This exhibition explores his most remarkable but overlooked series of landscape prints, the Liber Studiorum. Translating as ‘Book of Studies’ and published in fourteen parts from 1807–19, Turner created the series at the height of his fame.
The exhibition will pair Turner’s evocative Liber prints with a series of Turner’s watercolours from the Whitworth’s collection, as well as loaned works from public and private collections. Visitors are invited to explore Turner's artistic legacy and the significance of his prints.
Last presented at the Whitworth over 100 years ago and marking 250 years since his birth, this exhibition presents all seventy-one of Turner’s published prints. Offering a fresh perspective on Turner. Together they show how the artist’s use of colour and atmospheric effects in painting were reimagined in print using line, tone and negative space.
This exhibition is supported by the Manchester Accommodation BID.
The Manchester Accommodation BID has provided crucial support for the J.M.W Turner: In Light and Shade exhibition at the Whitworth in Manchester. The Accommodation BID receives and manages funds derived from the £1 charge levied on guests visiting Manchester overnight, using the funds to promote and amplify events and activities that bring more people to visit and stay.
7 February – 2 November 2025*
Turner Events
J.M.W Turner inspired Watercolour Classes
Watercolour Workshop inspired by JMW Turner x In Demand MCR a monthly workshop series inspired by the J.M.W. Turner exhibition. These relaxed sessions are perfect for beginners or anyone refreshing their painting skills.
Thursday 12 June, 6pm-8pm
Tickets from £16, booking is essential
Follow this link to find out more and book your place.
*Do you prefer to visit at quiet times?
During May, we are holding several Afrocats family-friendly events at galleries that embrace noise and creativity, and encourage lively engagement with art for young children.
Due to the gallery's open-plan layout, if you visit the Whitworth's Turner exhibition on the dates below, you will be able to hear these free family activities, including drumming, dancing and singing, while you are in our separate exhibition spaces.
If you prefer to visit the Turner and other exhibitions at quieter times, please check the list below to help avoid visiting during our family workshops.
Afrocats Family-friendly workshops will take place on the following dates:
May half-term: Tuesday 27 May, Wednesday 28 May and Thursday 29 May, from 12pm-3pm on these dates.
Afrocats x the Whitworth – A Creative Collaboration Symposium: Tuesday 1 July, 10am-5pm
Press reviews
★★★★★ "Combining prints culled from Turner’s studio and watercolours from the Whitworth’s own collection, this show celebrates 250 years of our greatest artist." Jonathan Jones, The Guardian. Read the review
★★★★ "Turner: In Light and Shade: Luminous proof that printing is a genuine art form
Look at Turner’s mezzotints, and it can be hard to believe they’re just dots of ink in the grooves of a copper plate." Telegraph. Find out more
★★★★ "Turner: In Light and Shade review — a gorgeous display of astonishing scenes." The Times. Find out more
Image: Joseph Mallord William Turner, Castle Upnor, Kent, (detail) c.1831–32. J.M.W Turner © the Whitworth, The University of Manchester.
