Advance Curator's Introductory Talk | Turner as Inspiration

Join us online for this free online introduction to our January exhibition, Turner as Inspiration.

Discover more about the exhibition with curator Anne Hodge. The exhibition will open here on 1 January, and this talk will give an advance look a what's in store.

The National Gallery of Ireland welcomes back our 31 watercolours by J.M.W. Turner in 2026, following their loan to the National Galleries of Scotland last year. Since their bequest by Henry Vaughan in 1901, these works have been exhibited every January, offering audiences a glimpse into Turner's evolving artistry - from English parkland scenes to his expressive visions of Venice and the Alps. 

This year's exhibition is enriched by the inclusion of watercolours and prints by artists who found inspiration in Turner's mastery of light, colour and atmosphere. Works by Hercules Brabazon (1821-1906), William Callow (1812-1908), John Faulkner (1835-1894) and James H. Burgess (1819-1890) highlight Turner's influence, while Irish artists Jennifer Lane (b1952) and Niall Naessens (b.1961)pay homage to his enduring legacy. Together, these works underscore how Turner continues to inspire new artistic generations. 

• This free talk will take place online via Zoom. Login details will be contained in the e-mail booking receipt.
• The talk will be recorded and made available on the Gallery's YouTube channel until the exhibition ends. This event will be accompanied by an Irish sign language interpreter.
• There will be time for questions after the talk