Colchester Castle to host Turner "masterpiece"
The piece of art was saved from leaving the country last year.
The announcement that a renowned piece of art by Joseph Mallord William Turner will be going on display at Colchester Castle has been described as a "significant moment" for the landmark.
'Walton Bridges' was painted in 1806 close to Turner's home on the River Thames, and was in danger of leaving the country following its sale to an overseas buyer.
Thankfully, a rescue big was launched involving Colchester and Ipswich Museums and the Norfolk Museum Service, which kept it in the country.
The bid was helped through grants from the National Lottery Fund, Art Fund and a private donor after its sale at Sotheby's for £3.37 million in 2018.
It will tour the East of England and Colchester Castle will be its first point of call from 26th September to 28th March 2021.
Heritage Manager for Colchester and Ipswich Museums, Philip Wise, said: "This is a significant moment for Colchester Castle. To be able to display an oil painting by J. M. W Turner, one of the greatest English romantic landscape painters of all time, is a huge privilege.
"Like his contemporary, John Constable, he preferred to work outside rather than in a studio. In the case of ‘Walton Bridges’, we have to imagine Turner in a small boat sketching the river scene in front of him. It’s a truly remarkable piece of work and I’m thrilled to be involved in bringing it to Colchester."
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, added: "The acquisition of ‘Walton Bridges’ is of great cultural significance to the East of England and will undoubtedly boost the tourism and cultural economy of the East of England as a result.
"I am immensely proud that Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service were involved in helping to save this painting for the nation.
"I would urge as many people as possible to head to Colchester Castle to view this rather special painting."
For safety reasons surrounding the pandemic, visitors are asked to contact Colchester Castle on 01206 282939 to book a slot.