January 2026 will mark the triumphant return of Scotland’s Turners to Edinburgh, giving avid fans and newfound admirers the chance to spend time with some of Joseph Turner’s work.
Following the success of last year’s blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, visitors will be able to enjoy a selection of 38 watercolours at this highly anticipated free annual display.
This annual tradition that has been taking place since 1901 when art collector Henry Vaughan left over 200 drawings, watercolours and prints by Turner divided between galleries in Edinburgh, Dublin and London. 38 of these watercolours were given to the people of Scotland, on the condition that they are only displayed in the month of January, when light levels are at their lowest. Because of this, these works still possess a freshness and an intensity of colour, almost 200 years since they were created.
This mesmerising exhibition demonstrates the extraordinary range of Turner’s work in watercolour, from moody landscapes and impressive city views to dramatic seascapes.
This year Turner in January will also feature the picturesque watercolour Virginia Water (about 1829), on long term loan to the National Galleries of Scotland and displayed for the first time since 2020. The work shows a royal fishing expedition on Virginia Water, the artificial lake created as a royal pleasure ground in Windsor Great Park, with King George IV’s newly built ‘Chinese’ Fishing Temple in the background.
Visitors will be able to immerse themselves further into the world of Turner through a Smartify audio highlights guide. Free to use on mobile devices, this audio guided tour will give fresh insights into the artwork on display.
Please note, due to the exhibition’s popularity, visitors can expect to wait for between 30 minutes to an hour before gaining entry. Seating is available for those who cannot stand for long periods.
The exhibition has wheelchair access and for those with a blue badge, there is limited on street parking close by. For more details on parking bays see the City of Edinburgh Council website.
For full details on the exhibition see Turner in January.
