26 January – 30 September 1925
Tate
The Burrell Collection offers a remarkable journey into the origins and evolution of British landscape painting, shedding light on the pioneering spirit of Richard Wilson, often hailed as the father of this artistic genre. This exhibition presents a rare opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of Wilson’s work, emphasizing his English and Welsh landscapes that are less commonly showcased compared to his celebrated Italian vistas.
Richard Wilson (1714–1782) stands as a towering figure in British art history. His artistry is notable not only for its originality but also for its blend of truthful representation and grandeur, qualities that earned him high praise from contemporaries such as John Hoppner and his own pupils. Wilson’s influence penetrated deeply into the works of subsequent masters like Turner and Crome, who admired and followed his approach. His landscapes fuse classical ideals with vibrant color and atmospheric subtleties inspired in part by Claude Lorrain, yet they maintain a distinct solidity and emotional resonance.
In this exhibition, visitors can appreciate Wilson’s masterful compositions such as The Quarry, Hounslow Heath, The Summit of Cader Idris, and Snowdon. These landscapes reveal a nuanced understanding of tone and pigment, aligning with his contemplative and imaginative vision. Moreover, the collection situates Wilson among his contemporaries and followers, featuring works by artists like George Lambert, Paul Sandby, Thomas Gainsborough, and Joseph Mallord William Turner, as well as the pupils and imitators who were shaped by his groundbreaking style.
Significantly, the exhibition highlights the cross-cultural artistic exchange that influenced Wilson’s trajectory, such as Canaletto’s arrival in England, which invigorated native topographical painting, and Wilson’s own travels to Venice and Rome that enriched his artistic vocabulary. His legacy is encapsulated in the balanced and poetic serenity of his classical landscapes, which have retained their relevance and appeal through centuries.
For those intrigued by the evolution of landscape painting and the foundations of British art, this exhibition offers a deep and enriching experience. Hosted at Tate Britain, it provides a unique window into the synthesis of artistic traditions and personal imagination that defined one of Britain’s greatest painters.
