Will & Tom

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What to expect

Will & Tom is a glimpse into the life of the infamous artist JMW Turner as a young man during a week spent at Harewood House fighting for a commission against his childhood friend and rival Tom Girtin.

1797, West Yorkshire.

When rising artist Will Turner arrives at Harewood House in high summer, his intention is to sketch the house and grounds, receive his commission and return to London, where he has started attracting serious attention at the Royal Academy.

But things at the grand house are not quite as he expects. The atmosphere is strange, both above and below stairs, and Will’s treatment by his hosts is surprisingly offhand. Most perplexing of all, however, is the appearance of another painter – his childhood friend and now rival, Tom Girtin. While Tom is welcomed into the aristocratic circle, Will finds few allies. As it becomes harder to ignore the whispers of scandal , Will witnesses something that will threaten both his commission and his friendship.

Alive with intrigue, artistic rivalry, Will & Tom offers a glimpse into the early life of Britain’s greatest painter, J M W Turner, through the story of a complicated, vibrant friendship, and how it is tested by the dark dynamic of art and power.

Critics Review

  • Praise for Will & Tom:

    ‘Witty and engaging… A convincing portrait of a difficult, yet vulnerable genius and a clever study of the tangled relationship between art, power and money’ SUNDAY TIMES

    ‘Plampin’s deep (and lightly worn) expertise as an
    art historian gives this novel weight and insight’ THE TIMES

    Praise for Matthew Plampin’s novels:

    ‘A fascinating novel that brings to life an extraordinary historical episode . . . I can’t wait to see where Matthew Plampin goes next’ Andrew Taylor, author of THE AMERICAN BOY

    ‘Fascinating . . . Matthew Plampin lights up a murky episode of French history’ Liza Picard, author of VICTORIAN LONDON

    ‘A galloping good story’ THE TIMES

    ‘Lust, avarice, envy, revenge all play their part in this brilliantly told, well-paced story’ DAILY MAIL

    ‘Plampin’s historical research is impressive, as is his command of detail … his true gift of descriptive power’ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

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