Arts, Culture and Entertainment
The 12' high bronze statue that stands at the end of Margate’s Harbour Arm is entitled Mrs Booth after the seaside landlady whose house (with spectacular views over Margate harbour) JMW Turner chose to stay in when he came to the town to paint.
Sophia Booth and Turner began a love affair in 1833, and lived as Mr and Mrs Booth, with Mrs Booth supporting Turner financially until his death in 1878 and is buried in St John's Church graveyard.
The bronze Shell Lady was created by local artist Ann Carrington in 2009. It is said she is looking longingly out to sea, waiting for Turner to return.
