Turner from the Tate Collection will be exhibiting from 24 April 2009 and will run until 28 June 2009. The exhibition is curated by Tate Britain’s Ian Warrell, working with Xu Hong, Deputy Director of the Curatorial and Research Department at NAMOC, and with the British Council managing the exhibition whilst in China.

Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council said: “I have just returned from China where I was thrilled to see our work flourishing. China will be an important economic partner for the UK over the coming years and cultural ties will be vital to maintaining strong links. This exhibition forms part of a wider approach to build understanding between the two countries. As the cultural relationship between China and the UK continues to strengthen, I am hugely optimistic about future partnerships in the arts and creative industries between the two countries. Cultural relations foster the trust and cooperation that contribute to a safer, more prosperous world and I am proud of the central role the British Council is playing in bringing one of the UK’s most respected artists to the Chinese people.”

Army Crossing the Alps (Exhibited 1812)

Stephen Deuchar, Director of Tate Britain said: “The Turner exhibition in China is a momentous event and the outcome of several years of fruitful discussion with our colleagues at NAMOC. We are delighted that thousands of people in China will now have the opportunity to experience the power and the subtlety of these works by one of the great masters of Western art”.

Fan Di’an, Director of NAMOC, speaks highly of the Turner exhibition coming to Beijing. He says: “J.M.W. Turner set a precedent for European modern painting with his concept and painting style. Chinese artists and the general public alike are eagerly anticipating this great opportunity to see the works from Tate Britain’s Turner collection here in Beijing. NAMOC will make every effort to contribute to the tremendous success of this exhibition, including the provision of a comprehensive public education programme and a range of academic activities in conjunction with the exhibition.”