3 minute read
J.M.W. Turner
By Lucinda MacPherson
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Playwright Michael Frayn and author Claire Tomalin, his wife, opened an exhibition of J.M.W. Turner’s nudes together on Friday 8 July in the artist’s former home in Twickenham. Between the Sheets: Turner’s nudes has received rave reviews for its unique focus on the private life and work of the otherwise much documented maritime and landscape artist. Everyone knows his seascapes and paintings of the River Thames, but not so many are aware he also drew nudes. Michael Frayn, (author of several critically acclaimed and commercially successful novels, non-fiction and dramas, including Noises Off), expressed his surprise: “Firstly, this house, which I did not know about, which has been beautifully saved and restored. And secondly, this exhibition itself. The only human figure of Turner’s I knew was the self portrait of him as a young man. So, I was surprised, and others will have as big a surprise as I did, when they see this exhibition.” This is one of a series of exhibitions at Turner’s house. Co-Curators Dr Jacqueline Riding and Franny Moyle put together collections which they hope will show the many facets of the artist. Jacqueline, who advised film maker Mike Leigh’s the biopic Mr. Turner (2014), said: “What is so wonderful about the show, and so wonderful about working on the show is that we are teasing out the personal aspect of Turner… a very private man. Franny, author of the critically acclaimed The Extraordinary Life and Momentous Times of J.M.W. Turner (2016), who came up with the theme for this exhibition, said: “Here is a man who was called a recluse and a loner. I think this is a Victorian invention about Turner based on the last few years of his life when he was unwell. “But in these intimate works you see him as a traveller, an adventurer, someone joining in social settings. You see a fascination with women. “When you see Turner’s landscapes you get a sense of his awe and relationship to the wider world. In putting these very intimate drawings together you get a vision of the man close-up. You can almost feel his breath on your neck.”
Between the Sheets: Turner’s nudes is open to the public until Sunday 30th October 2022 at Turner’s house, 40 Sandycoombe Road, St Margarets, Twickenham TW1 2LR.
Maryville care home resident celebrates her 100th rthday
Mayor, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu has visited Maryville Care Home in Brentford to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of their residents Sr Anna Bye.
Sta at the home organised a big party in the garden for Sr Anna, who was thrilled to receive a congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth II which was proudly presented to her by the Home Manager. Mayor, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu joined residents of the home for the birthday party on July 16th, 2022, at 2pm. Celebrations included greetings, live entertainment by the singer Liza Jaz followed by BBQ and drinks. Mayor, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu said “It was my privilege to attend the 100th birthday of Sr Anna. I met some lovely residents and they made my day with their smiles.” General Manager at Maryville Care Home, Kathleen Liang said “It was lovely to have Mayor, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu here for the day. The residents were delighted that he was able to visit us and join in on the day. We all had a wonderful day and we hope that Mayor, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu will come to see us again soon!” Maryville Care Home is run by Frances Taylor foundation which o ers a wide range of social care and support services across the UK. Maryville Care Home provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 39 residents from respite care to long term stays.
