Where has prepping for this exhibition taken me?

All over the place, from my old on-call bedroom that overlooked Turner’s Harley Street backyard, in London, to a grubby underpass 1/2 a mile from home. Via a rubbish tip in Plymouth, which nestles into a quarry that Turner sketched while he was staying at Saltram.

It has had me reading a lot.

Coming towards the end of the painting bit of prep I had left the most local location until last.

Confident that some research on my morning dog walks would give me the prize of a replicated location. Imagine my horror, the old bridge, when viewed from the former military hospitals, had vanished. Lost to view by a modern busy road. The creek that Turner viewed was blocked off, dried out, and turned into sports pitches.

Finding the actual bridge from the south side took tenacity. Taking me to the underbelly of urban Plymouth. Dirty footpaths in industrial estates smelling of weed and piss. Littered with broken glass, gas canisters and abandoned knickers. But last minute luck was with me. Plymouth is the home port of Princess Yachts.

Their Stonehouse boatyard has the only view of the old bridge.  A quick email to the company, to ask if I could have access, was required,because the perfect tide and perfect light only coincided yesterday and today. Thankfully unlike Turner I could turn up with just my phone and a small camera. Turner would have arrived with a horse and cart, painting boards, paper and an easel, paints and brushes in a box, sandwiches and some bottles of beer.

https://www.princessyachts.com/

I was in luck, Christine from the sales  team was quick to respond to my email and I was welcomed into their elegant reception area. Then  taken to a room with a view. And what fabulous views, high tide, gentle morning light and boats. So many photos to work from.

Below are a couple of work in progress images.

I think the bottom image has more of a Turner vibe, lets see what happens over the next couple of weeks.

In a lovely twist of serendipity a  couple handed me a book later yesterday, showing the old bridge from the direction of the industrial estate.

The arrow is roughly where I took my photographs from.

It is such a shame this piece of history is so hidden from public view and not celebrated as one of the world’s most influential artists chosen subjects. My thanks to Princess Yachts for giving me access.