Turner's '$293,000' Oyster Beds at Whitstable could be a lucrative catch

One of the highlights of Bonhams' next 19^th Century Paintings sale will be a remarkable watercolour of the Oyster Beds at Whitstable, Kent by JMW Turner. It is estimated to sell for £120,000-180,000 when it is offered for auction on July 13 in London.

Turner lived in Margate for 20 years, just along the coast from Whitstable, and was fascinated by the pure, bright light of the region and particularly the sunsets.

This watercolour was one of 40 that Turner created for WB Cooke's folio of engravings, Picturesque Views on the Southern Coast of England. It was painted in 1824 and engraved by H Horsburgh, appearing as plate one in the catalogue which was published in 1826.

Whitstable is popular with day trippers from London seeking fresh air and shellfish

Bonhams' Charles O'Brien comments: "Turner's name is synonymous with paintings of light, and this example is no exception, demonstrating his mastery of both medium and subject."

Also included in the sale is a Turner painting of St. Mary's Church, Dover which is estimated to sell for £12,000-18,000 and could make a nice investment.