Two of Britain’s greatest painters were also the greatest of rivals. See them side-by-side on the big screen for the first time.
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition.
From the award-winning film company and unique arts brand Exhibition on Screen (Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition, Caravaggio) this must-see film examines the work of two of Britain’s most revered artists. As Tate Britain brings these greats together for a groundbreaking exhibition, in London until April 2026, Exhibition on Screen once again has privileged access to bring their extraordinary art and remarkable stories to the big screen so that audiences can enjoy both the film and exhibition together, making this an unmissable opportunity to get to know these incredible artists.
Images : left – JMW Turner, Brighthelmston, Sussex, c. 1824 / middle – JMW Turner, Staffa, Fingal’s Cave, c. 1832 / right – JMW Turner, “The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons”, c. 1834
Famously described by critics as a clash of ‘fire and water’, Turner and Constable’s respective styles were both bold yet starkly different – a true clash of the titans. Both Turner’s incandescent sunsets and awe-inspiring visions and Constable’s idealised portrayals of cherished English landscapes sent contemporary audiences into a frenzy of excitement, and both still leave viewers awestruck today. Constable epitomised the finest traditions of realism and pastoral nostalgia while Turner forged a bold new language of emotion and dreamlike atmosphere.
Images : left – John Constable, “The White Horse” c. 1819 / middle – John Constable, “Somerset House Terrace from Waterloo Bridge”, c. 1819 / right – John Constable, “Hadleigh Castle”, 1828 -1829
The film reveals the ways these artists redefined landscape painting and paved the way for Impressionism. TURNER & CONSTABLE offers intimate views of sketchbooks, personal items and beloved homes plus insights from leading experts. TURNER & CONSTABLE is the unmissable opportunity to see these great artists side-by-side, as they so often were in life, on the big screen for the first time.
Images : left – David Bickerstaff shooting at Flatford Mill / middle – 21 T&C Filming Turner Sketch Books © David Bickerstaff / right – 08 T&C Lachlan Goudie © David Bickerstaff
Dir: David Bickerstaff, Phil Grabsky
