On Wednesday 23rd April 2025—St George’s Day—the historic beauty of Farm Street Church will become the setting for a unique celebration of one of Britain’s greatest artists. Marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of J.M.W. Turner, the evening invites reflection not only on the artist’s profound vision of London but also on the enduring spiritual and cultural heritage that shaped the age he painted.

In a special event hosted by The Mayfarer, The Covent Gardener, and The Porterhouse, Turner’s legacy will be explored in conversation between Adam Dant, the acclaimed map artist recently commissioned to create a new map celebrating Turner’s birthplace in Covent Garden, and Tim Wright, a contemporary artist whose own practice dialogues with the past. The evening will be expertly compered by Will Palin, CEO of Barts Heritage.

At the heart of this event is not just an appreciation of Turner’s genius but an acknowledgment of the world he inhabited—a London poised between Enlightenment ambition and religious renewal. As Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, parish priest at Farm Street Church, reflects:

“It’s a great pleasure to host this anniversary celebration of the birth of the great English painter Turner, whose life and work are so resonant with the landscape of the London and England of the age which was to see the restoration of the Society of Jesus and of the Catholic faith. As plans were afoot for the grand project of the building of Farm Street Church, Turner would have been a presence in the surrounding streets and squares as he mingled with the people of the times and gave us a lasting portrait of a city going through epochal change. It’s been a great pleasure to work with Jeanine Saba at the Covent Gardener and Mayfarer, with Adam Dant, with the team at The Porterhouse, and with all involved in the event. Please do come along on St George's Day to learn more and sample some porter too!”

The evening will give attendees an opportunity to reflect on Turner’s work within the broader context of Catholic and Jesuit heritage in Britain, drawing connections between his art and places of significance, such as Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, where his early sketch Stonyhurst College from the West (1799) captures the essence of a Jesuit-founded institution—a subtle yet poignant reminder of the historical ties between Turner’s work and the religious landscape of his time.

The evening concludes with a tasting of Mr Turner’s Porter, a bespoke brew created specially for the occasion—a toast to the man whose art continues to illuminate our cities, our histories, and our faith.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Time: 6:30 PM (Talk) · 8:00 PM (Carriages)

Location: Farm Street Church, 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH

RSVP: editors@themayfarer.com

Banner photo: London from Greenwich (date unknown), by Joseph Mallord William Turner (British, 1775–1851) England, 19th century etching and mezzotint, The Cleveland Museum of Art on Unsplash