Two of Britain’s most famous artists celebrated the end of major restoration at Turner’s House in Twickenham last Saturday.

April 14th.

Christopher Le Brun, President of the Royal Academy and Professor Ken Howard OBE, artist and author of Ken Howard's Switzerland, In the Footsteps of Turner, are both Patrons of Turner’s House Trust.

They officially opened the newly designed garden, marking the completion of the house's renovation on April 14.

Rachel Hasted, member of the Heritage Lottery Fund London committee, said: “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, JWM Turner’s beautiful historic house and gardens are being saved, restored and opened up for people of all ages to enjoy. I’m delighted to celebrate the opening of the gardens – just in time for spring!”

Other guests were Charlotte Verity, former Artist in Residence at the Garden Museum, and Andrew Wilton leading scholar in the fields of Turner studies.

Turner designed the house for himself and his father with the aid of his close friend, architect John Soane whose influence is clear in external details the beautiful arched hall and soaring top lit staircase.

The house, which gives a unique perspective on Turner as it was both his 3D artwork and his peaceful, rural retreat, has now undergone extensive restoration and is open to the public.

Built in 1813, Sandycombe stands close to the Thames, a source of inspiration for many of Turner’s most beautiful paintings.

In his teens Turner took lessons in architectural draughtsmanship, and once said that if he could have had his time again, he would have been an architect.

Sandycombe Lodge represents the realisation of his ambition and has recently been restored to his original design thanks to Heritage Lottery and other funding.