Archbishop backs drive to promote Turner link

The Archbishop of York is singing the praises of JMW Turner as part of a series of podcasts to help digital audiences follow in the 200-year-old footsteps of the artist in his visits to Yorkshire.

Dr John Sentamu is one of four Yorkshire ambassadors to join Turner expert Prof David Hill, of Leeds University, in exploring places painted and sketched by Turner during his many visits to the region.

The official tourism agency for Yorkshire, Welcome to Yorkshire, is behind the Turner Trails which have generated more than 28,500 hits on Yorkshire.com since their launch in June.

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Demand has also been high for the Discover Turner's Yorkshire booklet with some 20,000 copies snapped up by potential visitors.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Thanks to the help of Yorkshire ambassadors, the Turner Trails have now gone digital further widening their appeal.

"The new podcasts are not only interesting and educational but the maps and tours are also a fun free way for the whole family to spend a day out in Yorkshire over the Christmas holidays and enjoy the legacy that Turner left behind."

JMW Turner's painted and sketched over 800 views across more than 70 sites in Yorkshire.

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The Archbishop said: "Turner produced wonderful sketches of York Minster on the several occasions he visited York.

"Turner was so inspired by Yorkshire's contrasting landscape – and so am I.

"This digital age gives the audience every chance to take a step back in time and trace Turner's locations through Yorkshire."

Welcome to Yorkshire launched the campaign with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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Visitors can now download audio tours and maps for the Turner Trails through its website.

Other podcasts feature: David Lascelles of Harewood House (The Beginning – Why did Turner come to Yorkshire?); artist Ashley Jackson (Turner's Coastal Yorkshire); and Ken Hawley MBE of the Hawley Collection Trust, Sheffield (Turner's Industrial Yorkshire).

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