Largely self-taught as both an artist and teacher, William Ralph Turner is recognised as one of the last genuine Northern English industrial painters.
During the 1950s and 1960s, his exhibitions at the Tib Lane Gallery attracted the attention of L.S. Lowry, whose influence is evident in Turner’s work.
For around six decades, Turner captured scenes of the North West and surrounding areas, often working from memory and sketches gathered while cycling—one of his great passions. A highly prolific artist, he created thousands of works. In the 1970s, he was commissioned by Peter Burdett of The Pitcairn Gallery to paint scenes of Lyon, France, and remained represented by the gallery until 1985 when it was sold by then owner Wendy Levy.
During the 1980s, Turner exhibited in Windsor and Eton and organised his own shows around Cheshire, including at Adlington Hall.
In 1989, he was featured in a major publication on Northern artists by critic and artist Peter Davies.
Turner experienced a resurgence in recognition in 2000—at the age of 80—when art dealer David Gunning from Todmorden “re-discovered” his work.
