Tickets: £15, £10 under 25s
Running time: 90 minutes

In an era of dramatic change and striking beauty, James McNeill Whistler emerged as one of the most daring and inventive artists of the 19th century. A contemporary of the Impressionists and admired by Van Gogh and Manet, Whistler challenged Victorian convention with bold experimentation and a sharp wit, championing the radical idea of “art for art’s sake.”

Seeing painting like music, he titled many works “arrangements,” “harmonies,” and “nocturnes,” exploring mood and tonal beauty in a completely new way. His most iconic work, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1—better known as Whistler’s Mother—has become one of the most recognisable paintings in history.

This film uncovers the fascinating artist behind the masterpiece, alongside Tate Britain’s landmark retrospective—the first in over 30 years. With masterpieces and rarely seen works brought together, this is a rare cinematic invitation to rediscover a true visionary.

A striking, unmissable journey into the life and legacy of an artist who changed how we see art forever.