Watercolor is a universal medium, used around the world by amateurs and children, as well as by professional artists. British artists, such as J.M.W. Turner, are widely acknowledged to be among its greatest exponents. What can watercolor achieve that no other media can?

This book explores the art of watercolor in Britain from the Middle Ages to the present day, with classic works by famous artists including Turner, William Blake, Samuel Palmer, and the Pre- Raphaelites, but also by many less-familiar figures. While most books focus on watercolor as an immediate response to nature, this one traces its origins back to medieval illuminated manuscripts and looks at its roots in cartography and scientific illustration. Published to accompany a major Tate exhibition, this stunning book casts new light on an outstanding artistic tradition.