Pic-nic like Turner

From 15th to 21st June is National Picnic Week in the UK, celebrating one of Britain's favourite outdoor traditions. In Turner's era, the early 19th century, picnics had become hugely popular and there were even 'Pic Nic Societies' and the Royal Academicians' one was one of several famous picnic societies in artistic and theatrical circles in London. It beautifully blended landscape appreciation, socializing and enjoying food and drink outdoors. Wine and porter would have been drunk, and a guest recalled that coffee and tea were offered on arrival at the lodge, before a meal of 'good veal, beef and salad, and fruit pies'. Sandwiches were also invented in the early 19th century, and may have been one of the foods on the tablecloths, which would have been surrounded by blankets on the grass for guests.

Turner did sketch several picnic scenes in his lifetime, but this year's exhibition at Turner's House in St. Margarets, near Richmond, London, focuses on “Unfinished Business: The Mystery of Margate and Turner’s Bequest”. It gives visitors the opportunity to see an extraordinary sea painting by one of Britain's greatest maritime artists, displayed within the house he designed and had built in Twickenham by 1813. Sandycombe Lodge, as he called it, was his country retreat from the rigors of the London art world. On loan from the National Gallery, London, Margate (?) from the Sea, (1835-1840), is the highlight of an exhibition that uncovers the complex and fascinating story of the Turner Bequest, and reveals how attitudes to Turner's work changed across the centuries. 

The exhibition is open until 26th October 2026, Wednesday to Sunday 12 noon to 4 pm

Guided tours at 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm. 

Entry costs £12 with concessions available. BOOK HERE

Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic during National Picnic Week (15th to 21st June) and enjoy their lunch Turner style in his garden.

Location: 40 Sandycoombe Road, Twickenham TW1 2LR

Further Information: Turners House

Venue details