J.M.W Turner was constantly exploring the technical possibilities of paint at the same time as he pushed the limits of what had been previously attempted in painting. He experimented with different pigments and paint formulations throughout his life, with greater and lesser degrees of success; in many cases this has led to changes in the appearance of pictures over time through the inherent instability of the materials he employed. This new, revised edition of Turner's Painting Techniques, edited by Joyce Townsend, comes out of the internationally-renowned conservation department at Tate Britain, the home of the world's largest collection of Turner's works. It combines documentary research with the latest scientific techniques, includsing infra-red and x-ray photography, granting a conservator's-eye view of many well-known paintings. An understanding of the techniques Turner used brings new insight both into his art and personality of the man behind the masterpieces. Essential reading for all with a serious interest in Turner.