MARGATE.- Turner Contemporary celebrates Turner 250, marking 250 years since the birth of JMW Turner, with the display of his remarkable painting Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate (Study for Rockets and Blue Lights), c. 1840. This presentation offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Turner’s masterful depictions of the Kent coastline, reinforcing the gallery’s deep connection to his legacy.


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The painting, likely created in Margate, captures the raw energy of a stormy sea viewed safely from the shore. Looking east towards the Stone Pier and lighthouse, the composition suggests an unseen vessel battling the turbulent waters. Executed during a period of experimentation, the wide landscape format heightens the drama and emotional intensity of the scene, exemplifying Turner’s fascination with the sea and coastal landscapes.

Art historian Ian Warrell has penned an insightful essay accompanying the display. His exploration of the historical context, technical aspects, and emotional resonance of Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate sheds light on its significance within Turner’s oeuvre. Warrell’s essay will be available as part of the exhibition, enriching visitors’ understanding of this iconic artwork and its impact on the portrayal of coastal landscapes in art.

A new brand for a bold vision

In conjunction with Turner 250, Turner Contemporary is unveiling a new visual identity, developed in collaboration with the award-winning design studio Graphic Thought Facility. The new brand reflects Turner’s radical spirit of enquiry and his innovative approach to light, colour, and the depiction of nature. In the same way, Turner Contemporary’s new visual identity embraces innovation and creativity, while staying true to the gallery’s mission to spark dialogue, inspire curiosity, and offer new perspectives through art. The new design incorporates bold, dynamic elements that echo Turner’s ability to capture the ever-changing landscape, from stormy seas to tranquil skies.

To ensure a seamless digital experience, Turner Contemporary has partnered with One Darnley Road to roll out the brand identity across its website and digital platforms.

Clarrie Wallis, Director of Turner Contemporary, commented: “The launch of our new brand during Turner 250 is a defining moment for Turner Contemporary. Our new identity reflects the transformative power of art, while the display of Turner’s Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate pays tribute to his genius and lasting impact.”

A tribute from Tracey Emin

On Turner’s birthday, 23 April, a projection of Tracey Emin’s A Poem—her love letter to JMW Turner—will illuminate the Turner Contemporary building. Emin, one of Margate’s most celebrated contemporary artists, finds deep inspiration in Turner’s emotive use of light and atmosphere.

The projection will serve as both a tribute to Turner and a testament to Margate’s thriving contemporary art scene, highlighting the town’s ongoing artistic legacy and its ability to inspire generations of artists.



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