Cotmania. Vol. III. 1928-9

be scattered & pass from our notice. I have taken the numbers & a note of the Cotman signatures, wh[ich] are pretty queer.
Duke brought his Gordale here tonight. The signatures are very close especially the J & the P, & the S. Also the 1803 is so similar as to be almost identical. But the 'n's differ, Cotman's are more angular & have a different flourish. It looks as tho' it is only another instance of the mimicry. Passages are very like in the two drawings, but as in the case of the Randall's drawing, differences are staring. One noticeable feature was that in comparison with the restless wooliness of Duke's , the Gormire r. hand portion looks dignified & restrained.
I can't satisfy myself that there's been repainting, but there's damage. I shall look again & again & then we'll look together.
Interesting about Gaskell. Try to make him remember me - also St Marguerite in Normandy about 1895. He was there with Thornton another painter. Then you will take me over to him.
Tired & rather seedy tonight. I haven't answered half your letter.
Yours ever
Paul Oppé