The Cotman Collection | 28

Cotmania. Vol. III. 1928-9

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/2/1/3
Page: 10 recto (numbered 17), insert 1, recto


  • Description

    Letter from Martin Hardie of V&A Museum

    Letter regarding pencil sketches and photographs sent for verification.

    Date: 12 Nov. 1928

  • Transcription

    Victoria and Albert Museum
    South Kensington S. W. 7
    Dept of Paintings Dept. of Engraving, Illustration & Design

    12th November 1928

    Dear Kitson,
    Many thanks for the photographs of the pencil drawing by Cotman at the British Museum and for letting me see the photograph of the water-colour at Manchester and the pencil sketches by Cotman. There certainly seenms to be a good deal of affinity between the Manchester drawing and our study of trees.
    With regard to our "Chepstow", I have a strong suspicion that your theory is right I do not think without further evidence we can come to any definite conclusion about the authorship, but the pencil sketches you have submitted are useful in as much as they show the Girtin influence. Our photographer is, I fear, too busy to take photographs of them.
    I am returning to you herewith the photographs of the Manch drawing and your four pencil sketches.
    I have compared No.D.355_1888 with the etching by Cotman and there is no doubt that the two represent the same building.

    Sydney Kitson, Esq.,
    Thornbury House,
    Kidlington,
    Oxon.

Letter from Martin Hardie of V&A Museum