Ticketed

Essential information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and times Tuesday 21 October 2025 | 6.45pm

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2025 marks the 250th anniversary of J.M.W. Turner’s birth. In celebration of this prolific and innovative artist, Royal Museums Greenwich will unveil a new display of his largest artwork The Battle of Trafalgar at the Queen’s House.

This three-metre-wide canvas depicting the decisive victory of the British Royal Navy was commissioned by George IV for display at St James's Palace. At its first unveiling it received a mixed reception and has since been the subject of some debate and controversy. Is it Turner’s biggest failure or an unfairly maligned masterpiece?

Join us on Trafalgar Day to hear from art curator Katherine Gazzard on the history and symbolism contained within this awe-inspiring naval scene, as well as the story behind its commissioning, reception and journey to Greenwich.

Members are also invited to a private viewing of the painting in its new display before the lecture from 6.15pm. 

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