Turner gems show local scenes

Watercolours by J.M.W. Turner, painted when he visited the area 200 years ago, are the stars of an exhibition at the new Stocks Massey gallery.

Three of the British master’s watercolours “Towneley Hall”, “Mitton Hall” and “Study of Crosses (Whalley)” feature in the exhibition.

Turners’ pieces will join work by 23 other noted British watercolourists, including David Cox and David Roberts, as well as the talents of local artists such as Orlando Greenwood, who captures life in the cotton mills.

The “Hidden Treasures of Towneley” series, which begins with watercolours, is the first of three major exhibitions for 2012 that will go on to feature local history and fine arts later in the year. Visitors can see the watercolours until April 9th.