It is not widely known that a house designed by the celebrated English artist J.M.W. Turner RA, (1775-1851), for his own use, has survived to the present day in Twickenham in south-west London.

The late Professor Harold Livermore, with his wife Ann, rescued Turner’s house from destitution in the years following the second World War and lived there until his death in 2010. The house has a GLC Blue Plaque by the front door to commemorate its historic link to the famous painter.

 

  

 

The Friends of Turner’s House was set up in 2004 to support Professor Livermore in his aim to preserve the house for the nation. The Friends, through their activities, promote knowledge of Turner, his house and garden and his time in Twickenham. Professor Livermore left his archive of Turner material to the Trust and the Friends are supporting its conservation.

The Friends receive a regular newsletter and arrange an annual programme of visits, gatherings and talks. They have established links with other arts bodies in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames where Turner’s house is located, and with national organisations dedicated to the study, education and promotion of Turner’s work.

If you would like to support our work, and participate in our activities, please consider joining the Friends. You will find details on this web site.

Sandycombe Lodge now owned by Trust

At the beginning of December 2010 the Sandycombe Lodge Trust received the keys to Sandycombe Lodge and are now the registered owners. This marks the beginning of an interesting time for the Trust and for the Friends, as the Trust begins the process of applying for a grant for an Options Appraisal Study. This study will be led by an appointed conservation architect, and will look at ways in which conserving and using the house “as a monument to Turner in Twickenham” can be achieved.

We are now at the beginning of a most exciting time. There will be many ways in which the Friends can assist this project and the role of the Friends of Turner’s House, will grow enormously. When the architect for the proposal to restore the house is chosen, which will be in the near future, the Trustees will encourage the Friends to put forward their ideas for the future use of Sandycombe Lodge.

Catherine Parry-Wingfield.

Sandycombe Lodge Trustees

The current trustees are: Chairman: Jeff Harris; Vice-Chair: Catherine Parry-Wingfield; Property: Stephen Enthoven; Finance: Andrew Davis; Treasurer: Maurice Parry-Wingfield. Trustees: Susan Youngs, Andrew Wilton, Derek Plummer, Nicholas Alfrey.

 
Turner’s house and garden in Twickenham 1826 engraving by W.B.Cooke from a watercolour by William Havell. A facsimile is available from the Friends' on-line shop.