Dimensions
163 x 230 x 30mm
1797, West Yorkshire.
Young artist Will Turner arrives at sumptuous estate, Harewood House, at the invitation of aristocratic bounder Beau Lascelles believing he will do no more than sketch the house and grounds, receive his commission, and return back to London.
Will is not the only artist here, he is one of two men that will make up a Cockney Project. His fellow artist? Childhood playmate and current rival, Tom Girtin, dressed up as much as his meager wallet can allow, billing and cooing amongst the esteemed guests. But Will is not so easily distracted, he wants to get the job done and get out.
As neither servant nor hallowed guest, Will has few allies until maid, Mrs. Smalls, befriends him. As Will hides away in his tiny room as the guests make merry, he is glad of her gifts - the good candles by which he can paint - ensuring the expedience of his work and departure from this place. But the servant halls are alive with whispers of scandal and when Will ventures to sketch the great ruins he instead witnesses something that will threaten his commission and his friendship.
Alive with intrigue, artistic rivalry and society scandal, Will & Tom is a glimpse into the life of the infamous artist William Turner, and a story of how we are liberated from the shackles of our masters at a time when England is awakening to its crimes of slavery and servitude.
