The Cotman Collection | 49

Cotmania. Vol. XI. 1935-6

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/2/1/11
Page: 26 verso


  • Description

    Letter to SDK from Paul Oppé, 11 May 1936 (3)

    Date:

  • Transcription

    do it myself. Nor do I thing that so far as water colours go there is anything very new in his process; the chief difference is that in this case he has handled many drawings which were in good state already. For example Leney pointed out drawing or shading in the big cloud in the Devil's Elbow wh[ich] he said was previously invisible while the top-hat is very much reduced. The former seems to me an example of legitimate improvement; the latter puzzles me. Similarly greens which Leney said were previously too pronounced are now quite 'in keeping'.
    Some faded early drawings e.g. the Crome Tintern look much cleaner & fresher. I have no doubt but that removal from the old mount with its gum and paste refreshes all drawings. But then comes the pressing! Some of Colmans buckle a little which is a good sign.
    Apropos early drawings I was interested to see among the 19 a very faded early waterfall while - though here my memory no doubt plays me false -

Letter to SDK from Paul Oppé, 11 May 1936 (3)