The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery remains optimistic about eventually acquiring a long-lost Turner painting that has captured the city's imagination, even after the artwork sold to a private collector for a staggering $1.87 million and made its first public appearance in over 150 years at a prestigious London exhibition.
'The Rising Squall, Hot Wells, from St Vincent's Rock, Bristol' by renowned artist Joseph Mallord William Turner is currently featured in the Turner/Constable exhibition at Tate Britain in London. The painting had been missing from public view for more than 150 years before surfacing at auction in July, sparking an unprecedented community effort to bring it home to Bristol.
The Bristol gallery launched an ambitious crowdfunding campaign when the historic artwork went up for auction earlier this year. The public response was overwhelming, with more than 1,700 donors contributing over $109,000 to support the gallery's acquisition efforts. This substantial community backing allowed the council-run institution to submit what officials described as a 'substantial bid' for the painting.
However, despite the impressive grassroots fundraising effort, a private collector's eye-watering offer of $1.87 million ultimately secured the Turner masterpiece. Following the unsuccessful bid, the gallery responsibly returned all donated funds to the contributors who had rallied behind the cause.
Kate Newnham, senior curator of visual arts at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, expressed her delight at finally seeing the painting on public display, even if not in its intended Bristol home. 'We're delighted to see that The Rising Squall, Hotwells from St Vincent's Rocks, Bristol is at last making a public appearance after more than 150 years,' Newnham said. 'It looks stunning in the new Turner & Constable exhibition at Tate Britain, London.'
The painting holds particular significance as it showcases the artistic development of the seventeen-year-old Turner, who captured a dramatic view of the Avon River at Hotwells while honing his painting techniques. This early work demonstrates how the Bristol landscape played a pivotal role in shaping one of Britain's most celebrated artists during a crucial period of his career.
Despite the setback, Newnham maintains hope that the painting's mysterious new owner might eventually consider lending the artwork to Bristol for display in what she calls its 'spiritual home.' 'We very much hope that the new owner of the painting will be moved to lend it to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery,' she explained. 'Local people have already shown how much this important work means to them. It would be wonderful to show it here, in the city which inspired Turner at a pivotal point in his career.'
While waiting for a potential future opportunity to display 'The Rising Squall,' Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has organized its own tribute to Turner's legacy. The institution is currently running an exhibition titled 'Prince of the Rocks' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth. This special exhibition features rare watercolors and celebrates the profound inspiration the artist drew from the Avon Gorge area.
'In the meantime, come along to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to see an exhibit of four watercolors of Bristol by Turner painted at the same time as the Rising Squall which is proving very popular,' Newnham encouraged visitors. The current Bristol exhibition not only showcases Turner's artistic works but also displays examples of the unique geology and natural history of the Avon Gorge, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the landscape that so deeply influenced the young artist's creative vision.
