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Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks

Turner painted the world like no-one else, yet his life remains a mystery. Tracey Emin, Timothy Spall and Ronnie Wood explore his personal sketches to reveal the man behind the art.

A look at the hidden psychology of renowned painter JMW Turner through his 37,000 private sketches, drawings and watercolours – an extraordinary archive that reveals the man behind the masterpieces.

For the first time on television, these pages - including previously unseen erotic sketches - are used as a window into Turner’s inner world, exposing his private thoughts, creative obsessions and emotional life.

Guiding viewers through his life story are actor Timothy Spall, who portrayed the artist in Mike Leigh's film Mr Turner, as well as Tracey Emin, Ronnie Wood, Sir John Akomfrah, Orna Guralnik, Chris Packham and an array of leading art historians.

Available now

58 minutes

Last on

Wed 26 Nov 2025 23:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Interviewed Guest Tracey Emin
Interviewed Guest John Akomfrah
Interviewed Guest Timothy Spall
Interviewed Guest Amy Concannon
Interviewed Guest Ronnie Wood
Interviewed Guest Leslie Primo
Interviewed Guest Dr Orna Guralnik
Interviewed Guest Madeleine Callaghan
Interviewed Guest Chris Packham
Director Rosie Schellenberg
Producer Rosy Rickett
Production Manager Marianna Petrilli
Executive Producer Kari Lia
Executive Producer Hamish Fergusson

Broadcasts

  • Wed 19 Nov 2025 21:00
  • Wed 19 Nov 2025 23:00
  • Sun 23 Nov 2025 23:30
  • Wed 26 Nov 2025 23:00