Cotmania. Vol. III. 1928-9

{Kitson's account of visit to E. W .Clayton and Hugh Agnew}
April 9, 1929. Called on E. W. Clayton, 69 Rodney Court, Maida Vale. He has for disposal a watercolour of bridge and valley in Wales "J. S. Cotman 1081" [1801] rather frail and damaged-looking, but full of Girtinesque qualities - an interesting drawing. (c. 12x15)
Called at Agnew's - he has a large seapiece (c. 15x21.) 'J. S. Cotman, 1830'. It is based on my pencil drawing of c.1809, which is a variation study of 'the Leader Seapiece' in Turner's 'Liber Studiorum.' I lent Hugh Agnew the pencil drawing.

{Letter from A. P. Oppé to Kitson}
There is a further blue Cotman, bought in [crossed out - with] other somewhat seedy company on Wednesday. It is a subject that I'm sure I know & you will spot at once. Ecclesiastical ruin, upright, turned into cowyard, one cow in centre in shadow, overhanging arch to the top left. I shall try to look up the Yorkshire etchings. Has an apparently genuine signature of the date & is midway between Gormire and the replica which I have always disputed on the R. facing window in your dining room. It establishes that drawing fully, unless condemned itself as I should have done 10 years ago. Yours ever, Paul Oppe.
[crossed out - Pencil drawing V & A Mus. D.355.88 (11x8¼)Soft ground etching 35. WENLOCK PRIORY: SALOP]
May 3. 1929.