Artistic Dorset - John Constable

John Constable first visited Dorset in 1816 as the the guest of his close friend Reverend Fisher (later Bishop of Salisbury) who officiated at his marriage.

Weymouth Bay from the Downs

Fisher then invited the newly weds to honeymoon at his vicarage in Osmington Mills. 

View of Weymouth from the downs today

"...My house commands a singularly beautiful view, and you may study from your very window. You shall have a plate set by the side of your easel, without your sitting down to dinner. We never see company, and I have brushes paints and canvas in abundance.

Of an evening, we sit over our autumnal fireside, read a sensible book, perhaps a sermon, and after prayers, get us to bed..."

View of Osmington by Constable

The couple spent six memorable weeks there with Constable producing many sketches some of which he went on to finish in oils.

In 1820 and 1823 Constable again visited Dorset as the guest of Fisher who was now vicar of Gillingham where he painted his celebrated view of Gillingham Mill.

Capturing Dorset- J.W.T. Turner

FOR YOUR REGULAR DOSE OF DORSET ENTER YOUR EMAIL IN THE BOX ON THE RIGHT!

A surprising number of celebrated artists have visited Dorset over the centuries ( That isn't an invitation Damien...) 

Turner was a prolific painter and made many painting tours throughout Britain and the Continent.

Lyme Bay

He travelled almost every year and in 1811 toured the southwest producing a series of paintings which in turn were reproduced as a book of engravings entitled 'Picturesque Views of the Southern Coast of England.'

Poole Harbour

 While in Dorset, he painted many of the landmarks still recognisable today; including Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Poole Harbour, Lyme Regis and Weymouth.

Weymouth Bay

Painting Dorset- J.W.T. Turner

A break in this week's biblical deluges found me wandering along the beach at Charmouth. Later, as I looked at the photos I'd taken, a bell rang... yes!...One of my photos had been taken from a very similar spot to that from which my old mate Turner had painted his distant view of Lyme Regis way back in 1811.

Turner made many painting tours throughout Britain and the continent. In fact he travelled almost every year and in 1811 toured the southwest producing a series of paintings which in turn were reproduced as a book of engravings entitled 'Picturesque Views of the Southern Coast of England.' Many of those Dorset landmarks; Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Poole Harbour and Weymouth are still recognisable today.

Not a perfect match...Turner said sorry, he'd have another go.