Printed Page of Coltman’s ‘British Itinerary’
- Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner
- Date: c.1811
- Medium: Engraving on paper
- Dimensions: support: 117 x 75 mm
- Museum: Tate Britain
- Collection record: Tate Britain website
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About this artwork
This is the “Printed Page of Coltman’s ‘British Itinerary’” by Joseph Mallord William Turner. The work dates from around 1811 and is an engraving on paper, measuring just 117 × 75 mm – a tiny, detailed snapshot of a book page. Turner, known for his dramatic landscapes, produced many such prints to share his views more widely. In this piece he reproduces a page from Nathan Coltman’s travel book *The British Itinerary*, a popular guide that highlighted scenic spots across Britain. The engraving captures the text and a small illustrative sketch of a coastal scene, a subtle nod to Turner’s own travels along the Devonshire coast that fed his imagination. The piece became part of the Turner Bequest in 1856, cementing its place in Britain’s artistic heritage. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how Turner used printmaking to disseminate his observations of the British landscape, blending precise line work with evocative content.
See it in person
Printed Page of Coltman’s ‘British Itinerary’ is in the collection of Tate Britain on Millbank, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
