Boat-building at Dover

The present drawing dates from circa 1794-5 and originates from a sketching tour of Kent, when Turner made sketches at Canterbury, Rochester and Dover. Here we see Girtin's pencil work with his finely accented drawing with wash applied by Turner. This drawing was executed at a time when Turner and Girtin met at the drawing academy of Dr Monro and also received tuition from John Henderson, who introduced the two young artists to the drawings of Canaletto. Joseph Farington, also associated with the academy wrote in his Diary of 11 November 1798: 'Girtin drew the outlines and Turner washed in the effects'.

We are grateful to Andrew Wilton for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.