The long-anticipated JWM Turner painting has now arrived in town, with opportunities to get up close and personal with the exhibition this summer.

Bridport Museum has secured the loan of an original Turner watercolour depicting a ship being hauled into West Bay, which features in a special temporary exhibition alongside works from the museum’s own collection by its founder, Captain Codd, who copied many of Turner’s paintings.

To mark the beginning of this exciting exhibition, a special preview evening was held at the town hall, with guests able to make their own rope, meet ‘Turner’ himself and enjoy cakes, Baboo ice cream and Furleigh Estate wines.

There was also the opportunity to visit the exhibition at the museum, although photos are not allowed to be taken of the painting.

Local duo Shiraz wrote and performed ‘Headland’, a song inspired by Turner, and Emily Hicks, director of Bridport Museum, and George Streatfeild, chairman of Bridport Museum Trust, thanked all those involved with making this exhibition and launch happen.

While the exhibition is on, the team at the museum is offering extra opportunities to the community to help with stewarding and sharing the exhibition with visitors for a limited time.

Emily Hicks, museum director, said: “We are delighted to announce some extra special opportunities this summer to get involved with your museum.

“We have stewarding slots available for the exhibition, joining our existing dedicated volunteer team.

“We also have brand new opportunities for any confident social media users to help promote the wider cultural programme of events happening across the town.”

To find out more about getting involved, contact Nikki on 01308 458703 or email visitorservices@bridportmuseum.co.uk

A programme of events has been created specially to celebrate this exhibition, including talks, exhibitions, demonstrations, art sessions, music events and artists’ open studios.

There will be a secret art sale by Bridport Arts Society at the arts centre, which will include their own Turner inspired paintings, as well as an exhibition of artwork from students at the Sir John Colfox Academy.

There is an exhibition on shipbuilding at West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport artists will open their studios to the public and showcase their work and the film ‘Mr.Turner’, directed by Mike Leigh, will be shown at the arts centre.

For a full list of events, museum opening times and more information, visit bridportmuseum.co.uk