He was known for his eccentricities and had two daughters

At the age of 25, J.M.W. Turner started a relationship with Sarah Danby, a widow of one of his acquaintances and ten years his senior. For around fifteen years, they were in an on-off relationship. Evelina and Georgiana were Sarah Danby's children, born in 1801 and 1811 respectively. Although Turner refused to admit that he was the father of Danby's children, this is now universally accepted. Turner also employed Hannah Danby, a 23-year-old relative of Sarah, who served as his housekeeper for 40 years until his passing. Hannah obtained a sizeable pension and custody of Turner's artwork after his death, whereas his two daughters only received modest bequests.

With age, Turner's oddities became more well-known. He used stuff regularly. Then, after seeing it in a new light, he pulled out his snuffbox and spread powdered tobacco over the canvas. He once took a still-wet painting to the Royal Academy. Turner was renowned for being reclusive and withdrawn. However, he did have a close relationship with his father, who spent thirty years living with him and serving as his studio assistant. Turner was profoundly affected by the passing of his father in 1829. He became increasingly eccentric and prone to depressive episodes as a result. He staged exhibits but reluctantly sold his paintings, which caused him to have protracted bouts of depression.