William Turner of Oxford, O.W.S. (Oxfordshire 1782-1862)

Turner of Oxford was fascinated by natural phenomena, and his observations in watercolour of the Aurora Borealis (Oxford City Council, T. Wilcox and C. Titterington, William Turner of Oxford (1789-1862), Wisbech, 1984, p. 78, pl. 86) and Donati's Comet (Private Collection, op.cit., p. 79, pl. 87) bear testimony to this and to his successful rendering of both day and night skies.

A watercolour of Stratus Clouds, Evening, dated '5 o' clock p.m. October.30th.1848' was sold in these Rooms, 22 January 2003, lot 19, and there is a cloud study in the British Museum, in watercolour and yellow bodycolour on blue paper, inscribed 'Wind South'.

We are grateful to Timothy Wilcox for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.