One of the worlds more remarkable artists was JMW Turner, a name I’m sure you’ll have heard of before. Its recently come to my attention that in the 1830’s he made this sketch of Bothwell Bridge whilst visiting Lanarkshire. The bridge having been expanded around that time would certainly have given him cause to stop and prepare a sketch.

Joseph Mallord William Turner RA (23 April 1775 – 19 December 1851), known contemporarily as William Turner, was an English Romantic painter, printmaker and watercolourist. He is known for his expressive colourisations, imaginative landscapes and turbulent, often violent marine paintings.

Now, looking at this sketch, the vantage point appears to be from Craighead with Bothwell on the left over the river. I’m almost certain this means Turner, that accomplished painter was standing on the soil of Blantyre Parish whilst he made that sketch! Now , how about that!