Prolific painter, born in London, who after a foundation course at Guildford School of Art, 1967, studied fine art painting at Falmouth School of Art, 1968–71, gaining his diploma with honours. After working for several years as a film-maker, from 1974 Turpin settled on the Kent-Sussex border to paint full-time. He had a studio in Rye, Sussex, and played blues-based guitar around the county. He first showed at the Easton Rooms, Rye, in 1978, in 1979 work being bought for the Rye Art Gallery permanent collection. In 1980, he won a South East Arts Major Award, work being acquired by its permanent collection, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, purchasing in 1982. After in 1985 a show at the Odette Gilbert Gallery and the first of continuing bi-annual exhibitions at Beaux Arts, Bath, and Bohun Gallery, Henley-on-Thames, in 1986 Turpin took part in the Portrait Award show at the National Portrait Gallery, and Bath University bought his work.