John Doman Turner

As we dive deeper into the captivating life and artistic achievements of John Doman Turner, our journey has unveiled a treasure trove of insights within The University of Hull’s Art Collection. This exploration has led us to a genuine wealth of discoveries that shed light on the intricate layers of Turner’s artistic heritage. If you’re intrigued, we invite you to join us on this captivating adventure by visiting https://www.hull.ac.uk/choose-hull/study-at-hull/library/gallery/art-gallery.

The collection at The University of Hull stands out for its devoted emphasis on the creations of the Camden Town Group, providing a captivating window into the vibrant art scene of the early 1910s, guided by the brilliance of Walter Sickert.

The allure of the Camden Town Group, a dynamic assembly of artists who left an indelible mark on the 20th-century art landscape, resonates through the works of luminaries such as Harold Gilman, Charles Ginner, Spencer Gore, J.B. Manson, Lucien Pissarro, and, of course, John Doman Turner. Among the remarkable pieces housed within The University of Hull’s Art Collection, I’ve been fortunate enough to stumble upon two exceptionally rare works by Turner. One of these pieces we’ve encountered before, but it’s now presented in full color, breathing new life into its beauty. The other piece is something we’ve never laid eyes on before.

Our inquiry into the collection has yielded insightful information shared graciously by the gallery, casting light on the provenance and significance of these two extraordinary pieces:

“Montvilliers, near Le Havre, 5 August, 1912” – A mesmerising composition brought to life with watercolours and conté crayon, stretching across 27.3 x 37.5 cms.

“St Valery-sur-Somme, 1911” – A captivating portrayal meticulously crafted in watercolours and conté crayon, spanning dimensions of 26.7 x 38 cms.

Adding a layer of intrigue, these artworks come with a fascinating lineage of ownership. Originally gracing the collection of Spencer Gore, they traversed through the hands of Mrs. Gore before finding a new abode in the collection of Frederick Gore. The connection between The University of Hull and these masterpieces took root in 1997 when “Montvilliers, near Le Havre, 5 August, 1912” became a part of the collection after being exhibited in Hull.

Regular visitors to this website might be familiar with the Montvilliers work, although the colored version has not been shared previously, given that we had only possessed it in black and white.

These artworks have been showcased in prestigious exhibitions including:

• ‘The Camden Town Group’ exhibition in Southampton, 1951 (No. 129)
• ‘Camden Town Group’ showcase in Colchester, 1961 (No. 73)
• ‘Drawings of the Camden Town Group’ presented by the Arts Council, 1961 (No. 106)
• ‘Camden Town Group’ exposition in Hampstead, 1965 (No. 75)
• ‘Camden Town Recalled’ at the Fine Art Society, 1976
• ‘John Doman Turner 1873-1938′ exhibition at Parkin Gallery London and the University of Hull Art Collection, held in October-December 1997 (No. 29). Interestingly, the Hull exhibition mirrored the one concurrently held at Motcomb Street.

The second masterpiece, “St Valery-sur-Somme, 1911,” an intriguing blend of watercolours and conté crayon, measuring 26.7 x 38 cms, found its way into the Hull collection through the generous contribution of Freddy Gore in 1998—a gesture of magnanimity following his visit to the esteemed collection.

It’s worth noting that when Dr. Wendy Baron meticulously chronicled the groundbreaking monograph on The Camden Town Group in 1979, these two exquisite works by Turner stood as the sole representatives of his oeuvre in her discerning research. The prospects of unraveling the profound significance of these artworks in the realm of art history look promising, as our relentless journey of discovery continues.

At the heart of The University of Hull’s Art Collection lies a commitment to British art spanning the period from 1890 to 1940. Their dedication is exemplified by their transition to a more expansive and refined gallery space in 2015, ensuring that one of the prized watercolours remains on perpetual display.

In this harmonious interplay of history, artistry, and revelation, I am privy to the resurgence of John Doman Turner’s masterpieces. Institutions like The University of Hull’s Art Collection provide a nurturing haven where these creations persist, ceaselessly inspiring the passions of art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to John G Bernasconi, Director of the University of Hull Art Collection, for his invaluable insights and contributions that have enriched my journey of exploration.

Visit https://www.hull.ac.uk/choose-hull/study-at-hull/library/gallery/art-gallery for more information.