For the first time, original works by J.M.W. Turner will be displayed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham alongside the evocative paintings of Jake Wood-Evans. This major new exhibition bridges the gap between the 19th century and the contemporary art world, exploring and re-contextualising the legacy of Britain’s most celebrated “painter of light.”

Bridging Past and Present

In Turner’s Wake presents a creative dialogue between Turner’s historic influence and Wood-Evans’ contemporary oil paintings. Much like Turner’s radical late works, which laid the groundwork for the Impressionist movement, Wood-Evans conceives his paintings as “prisms of light,” blurring the boundaries between representation and abstraction.

Visitors have a rare opportunity to view Turner’s Medway Sketchbook and his powerful oil painting, Second Sketch for ‘The Battle of Trafalgar’, alongside Wood-Evans’ large-scale works. The exhibition demonstrates how Turner’s influence remains vital today, as Wood-Evans translates the energy of weather, water, and the passage of time into luminous, atmospheric layers of paint.

A Connection to the Medway

Turner held a deep fascination for the Medway, regularly visiting the Dockyard to sketch the site where legendary Royal Navy ships such as HMS Victory and HMS Temeraire were built. This exhibition brings that history full circle, featuring original Turner pieces on loan from national collections, including Tate, within the very setting that inspired them.

Behind the Scenes

Beyond the finished canvases, the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the contemporary creative process. Displayed alongside the paintings are Wood-Evans’ personal sketchbooks, artist materials, and ephemera, providing insight into the inner workings of a modern studio.

Pricing Information

In Turner’s Wake: Contemporary Visions by Jake Wood-Evans is included in your Dockyard admission ticket.