The Arts In Berwick -- Visual Arts -- Painting
Other artists of the 'sublime'

A number of Turner's northern contemporaries feature storms in their pictures of Bamburgh Castle particularly.

The Newcastle artistic leaders Thomas Miles Richardson, senior (1784-1848) and junior (1813-90), William Nesfield, son of a Durham rector, and South Shields artist George Balmer all invest in the 'sublime'. Balmer (1806-46) brings a looming power to his work. He was famous for his storm scenes and did a tempestuous view of Berwick lighthouse. William Nesfield (1793-1881) took up painting because of his interest in waterfalls, Ruskin calling him "Nesfield of the radiant cataract".

What they also have in common is a fascination with mountain scenery, all four making trips to Switzerland to become inspired by the Alps.

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