The Watford Observer has teamed up with Watford Museum and its curator Sarah Priestley to take a journey back to the town’s past through items or places of historical significance.

The 40th item in our 'history of Watford in 50 objects' is one of the museum's most popular exhibits painted by one of Britain's greatest ever artists.

Sarah said: "Watford Museum has reopened to the public and visitors can enjoy a visit to our refurbished Cassiobury Gallery. Always a popular theme with locals and attracting visits from across the world, our Cassiobury collection includes beautiful paintings that once decorated the walls of Cassiobury. None is more popular than our beautiful watercolour by Britain’s favourite artist JMW Turner.

"The artist was invited to paint at Cassiobury on two occasions by the 5th Earl of Essex and most of these are in the Tate Collection. Our watercolour shows the South West view of the house after it had been remodelled at by architect James Wyatt in the 1800s.

"The imposing gothic styling and stained glass has led to many enquiries over the years as to which cathedral this is!"

Watford Museum is now reopen to the public. Admission is free but book first by calling 01923 232297 or email info@watfordmuseum.org.uk. For more information visit www.watfordmuseum.org.uk