Two of Britain’s greatest painters – and fiercest artistic rivals – are coming together on the big screen for the first time in a new feature documentary celebrating the lives and legacies of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable.
TURNER & CONSTABLE explores the intertwined stories of the two artists, born just one year apart in 1775 and 1776 respectively, whose radically different approaches to landscape painting helped reshape British art.
Released to mark the 250th anniversary of their births, the film accompanies Tate Britain’s major exhibition bringing Turner and Constable together under one roof.
From award-winning arts film company Exhibition on Screen, the documentary will be shown in more than 300 cinemas nationwide from 10 March 2026, giving audiences the opportunity to experience these iconic works at scale.
Often described as a clash of “fire and water”, Turner and Constable transformed landscape painting in distinct but equally revolutionary ways. Turner’s incandescent sunsets, dramatic atmospheres and emotional intensity contrasted sharply with Constable’s idealised depictions of rural England, rooted in realism, memory and pastoral tradition.
While their styles differed, both artists pushed landscape to the forefront of art and captivated audiences in their own time – and continue to do so today.
As Tate Britain stages its groundbreaking exhibition, open in London until April 2026, Exhibition on Screen has been granted privileged access to bring both the artworks and the artists’ personal stories to cinema audiences.
The film features intimate views of sketchbooks, personal belongings and cherished homes, alongside expert insights that reveal how the pair redefined landscape painting and paved the way for Impressionism.
Directed by David Bickerstaff and produced by Phil Grabsky, TURNER & CONSTABLE places the two rivals side by side, as they so often were in life, examining their competitive relationship, creative breakthroughs and lasting influence.
By uniting film and exhibition, the documentary offers a rare and immersive opportunity to experience the work of two artistic titans together, celebrating their enduring impact on British and global art.
Watch the trailer
