Donald Towner: Nostalgic works a tribute to Britain and British identity

New London exhibition reflects how art shapes our sense of place.

London changes every day. Each time I am in the city I see a new building going up, scaffolding covering older buildings and I never fail to wonder at the non-stop reinvention of our capital.

That’s why I find the exhibition ‘Amongst the Trees and Terraces: Donald Towner’ at Burgh House in Hampstead, London, such a revelation. It reflects how change can be managed to ensure an area retains its sense of place, while modernising at the same time. It’s fascinating.

This is the first exhibition in decades to celebrate the life and work of Towner (1903–1985) and spans the inter-war and post-war years, tracing Towner’s landscapes, cityscapes and Hampstead views — capturing both the beauty of the British countryside and the upheavals of a nation in recovery.

Towner lived at 8 Church Row, Hampstead from 1927 until his death in 1985. He was a naturalist at heart, painting the English countryside with reverence while also recording London in flux, including the rubble-strewn streets around St Paul’s Cathedral in the aftermath of the Second World War.

In the post-war years, Towner was commissioned by the British Tourist Board to depict landscapes across the country, positioning art at the heart of Britain’s international image. It was from beautiful 18th century houses in suburban Hampstead that Towner was able to capture his subjects from unexpected perspectives. Through majestic trees and gentle brushstrokes, his works are more than just scenery as they create a true sense of belonging.

His nostalgic works juxtapose romantic landscapes with the destruction of war and the rebuilding that followed. They are a tribute to Britain and British identity.

Towner’s dual vision of landscapes as both timeless and fragile, resonates with contemporary debates about heritage, identity and the future of Britain’s cultural landscape. His friendships with contemporaries including Eric Ravilious and Edward Burra place him within an important generation of British artists reimagining national identity.

This poignant exhibition includes works from Burgh House’s own collection of Towner and loans from private collectors, many who knew Towner personally.

Burgh House curator, Amy Miller, said: “Donald Towner’s work offers both tenderness and grit — Hampstead’s timeless beauty alongside the devastation and rebuilding of post-war London.

“This exhibition is a chance to reflect on how art shapes our sense of place and identity. We are thrilled to bring together Burgh House’s collection with rarely seen pieces that shine a new light on Towner’s legacy.”

Amongst the Trees and Terraces: Donald Towner

Burgh House, New End Square, London, NW3 1LT
Opens March 5-December 20, 2026
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sundays, 10am-4pm
Admission free
Visit burghhouse.org

For Private Collectors: Protecting the Art You Treasure

Just as Towner’s work reminds us of the importance of preserving Britain’s cultural and artistic heritage, collectors today have a responsibility to protect the artworks they value. Whether contemporary or traditional, every piece deserves thoughtful protection, and that begins with having the right insurance in place.

If you have an art collection you should check it has the correct insurance cover. You don’t always need a stand alone policy to insure artwork, but it shouldn’t be insured simply as “contents”. Our recommendation is that any art, in any form, is insured under the “Art and Antiques” section of your policy, with a clear description of each item - including dimensions and supporting images.

It’s also important to remember that repairing a piece is very different from replacing it. A collection can be damaged by smoke, or a painting may fall from a wall. In these instances, you may prefer restoration over replacement. Having the right insurance in place ensures that repair costs are covered, or that you are compensated for any depreciation in value. We also recommend obtaining an up to date valuation. Make sure the valuation is for insurance purposes and that documentation is kept safely and securely - but somewhere you’ll remember should you ever need to make a claim. We work with a panel of trusted valuation companies who can not only assess your pieces now, but also provide updated valuations going forward. Some of the insurers we partner with offer a 25% or even 50% uplift for three years following a valuation, helping protect policyholders from rising market prices.

For more detail on how to protect your collection, please read our article Insuring your artwork.

To speak to the Howden Private Client team about your art insurance call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk

For Museums, Galleries & the Art Market: Fine Art & Species Insurance

Specialist fine art insurance can provide cover against risks such as transportation, exhibition, restoration, and storage worldwide. We recommend reviewing your insurance at each renewal to make sure that the sums insured and premium match your current requirements. Circumstances change over time and there could be new opportunities available to broaden cover or add a benefit like a no claims bonus, for example.

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To speak to the Fine Art and Species team about your art insurance call 020 3944 4085.