Identified by Simon Wilson in 1977 at the British Museum. Athough this work is probably by Turner himself the signature may not be authentic (it could be read as 'J.M.W. Turnier'). At the time this was painted Turner (aged 19) was working as a watercolourist in the topographical tradition, frequently in the company of Thomas Girtin (1775-1802) and working in much the same manner. In 1794 he toured the English Midlands producing works to be reproduced as engravings in contemporary periodicals such as the 'Pocket Magazine'
River Thames, houses and Folly Bridge, Oxford; foreground, a river with, on the left, a building with door and tiled roof; middleground, two moored sailing boats, a rowing boat, three figures loading a cart and a coach and horses crossing Folly Bridge; background, riverside houses. Painted in light washes with detail picked out with finer brushwork. Pencil underdrawing. Some foxing
