Dudley, Worcestershire

Turner’s famous view of Dudley in the West Midlands was made for the 'Picturesque Views in England and Wales' series after he visited the area in 1830. Industrialisation was a topical issue. Concerns were growing over its impact on living conditions and society. Turner’s watercolour rises above these debates to provide a haunting nocturnal scene of labourers working against the backdrop of the ruins of Dudley Castle. Turner recognised that industrial growth was important to Britain’s economic success in contrast to picturesque but declining cities like Venice.