Turner’s House in Twickenham has won a brace of honours in this year’s Love London awards.

For the past five weeks, people all over the city have been voting for their favourite restaurants, bars, shops, parks and other local spots with the awards attracting 65,033 votes.

The results have now been revealed, and, less than a year after reopening after a major restoration, Turner’s House has established itself as both the Most Loved Local Culture Spot and Most Loved Local Landmark in Richmond for London’s Time Out readers.

The great British landscape artist JMW Turner designed the house, which was built in 1813, for himself and his father, Old William.

Sandycombe Lodge, which gives a unique perspective on Turner as it was both his 3D artwork and his peaceful, rural retreat, opened to the public in the summer of 2017. And last month the newly designed gardens were officially opened by the President of the Royal Academy, Christopher Le Brun and renowned landscape artist and Royal Academician Professor Ken Howard, both patrons of Turner’s House Trust.

Turner himself catapulted from humble beginnings to become a celebrated artist and distinguished member of the Royal Academy. In 1789, Turner gained admission to the Royal Academy Schools at the age of 14, but swiftly made his mark and in 1807, the year he bought the land on which his house still stands in Twickenham, was elevated to the position of Professor of Perspective.

Catherine Parry-Wingfield, Chair of Turner’s House Trust said “We are absolutely delighted to win these two awards from Time Out. After so many years of fundraising and battling to save this unique House for the nation, it’s particularly pleasing to have this monument to Turner appreciated by the public. The trustees, staff and volunteers would like to thank everyone who voted for us and for recognising the importance of this building. And extend a warm invitation to anyone who has not yet visited to come and experience this little-known aspect of the great painter’s life.  We are also running a varied programme of events.”

 

May 5, 2018