J M W Turner
Aberdulais Mill, Glamorgan




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Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851),
Aberdulais Mill, Glamorgan, 1796-7,
dyfrlliw gyda phensil, 38 x 49.5 cm.

This watercolour was probably painted in 1796-7 based on a drawing made by Turner during a visit to south Wales in June and July of 1795. In one of the drawing books from south Wales Turner lists the various works he had been commissioned to do. One of them is a picture of Aberdulais for a certain "Mr. Mitchell". The same person had also commissioned a picture of Llandeilo bridge. Today that picture forms part of the collections of the National Muse

Turner visited Aberdulais whilst on his third tour of Wales. Aberdulais is a site of great importance in the early development of industry in Wales. In 1584 a copper works was established here harnessing the power of Afon Dulais to drive its machinery. It remained an industrial centre for over 300 years. Turner's watercolour captures this industrial lifer within a landscape.Andrew Wilton assesses the picture in these terms: "Of all Turner's views of watermills executed at this period - and Wales provided him with many - this is the most comprehensive in its survey of the life of such a place, with the least emphasis on picturesque charm for its own sake."

The mill is now owned by the National Trust and is open to visitors.

This picture was purchased by the National Library of Wales from Christie's auction house in July 1997. The purchase was made with the aid of a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund..

Comments:

Quite lovely! Interesting to read Lynn's comments, as well!

comment by sunlight on Mar 30, 2008 6:37 PM ()

How wonderful is that?

reply by sunlight on Apr 2, 2008 11:38 PM ()

I live very close to this spot. It's full of local history which I am very interested in

reply by augusta on Apr 1, 2008 9:24 AM ()

omg this is a blast from the past - reminds me of one of my history projects and that darn prowler

comment by lynnie on Feb 18, 2008 2:00 PM ()

(I had forgotten 'the prowler') I did boffins project for him, when he eventually got it (I got an 'A', by the way []) I found it a brilliant topic-right up my street - I wish I had gone searching for that 'grave' you and Nicola had found, incidently, as, those 'marks' that were on it, I have since found out, were an ancient form of 'celtic symbols' that did, actually decipher into an old language. I cannot, for the life of me remember, what it is called, but it is a common thing in Irish cemetreies/graveyards.
I have been searching for some info. on 'London House'- remember the building across the road fron the falls? it was demolished at the time the council changed the course of the river Neath. My great-grandmother, had been put into 'service' there when she was only 6 years old; she ended up running away and returned to her parents home in seven sisters, whereupon, her mother promptly took her back! I have often imagined the journey she had to undertake, in order for her to get back to 'seven', bearing in mind, that there wasn't a main road then, she probably took the 'old Crynant' road to get home. What a trek, for a 6 year old!!
I have even found a lot of stuff about Britton Ferry - especiall about the local pub you have - 'the ferryman', I think the name is. I may put that as the next 'post' - they were into 'smuggling' - with comical results, although I dare say, it wasn't funny to her at the time!!
I am going for a shower, then I will try and get it done

reply by augusta on Feb 19, 2008 3:25 AM ()