Cotmania. Vol. IV. 1929-30

Sept. 30 1929 N[orman] D L[upton] came to stay the night & V. Rienaecker came to dinner.
Oct. 1, 1929. N. D. L. & I started at 9.30 in his car (Chrysler) & saw Chepstow Castle. Lunched at Newport, Mon. Visited Turner House, Penarth, built by Pyke Thompson at the edge of his garden as an art gallery. Contains (1) 'The Byland Abbey, Sept 7, 1803) - very quiet, serene beautiful & accomplished. 'The Blue Afternoon'. 'J. S. Cotman 1831.' a not very satisfactory variant of the 'Chateau in Normandy' (B.M.) & 'Gold Twickenham' 'J. S. Cotman' - & a sea piece c. 1831. (?) engraved. Also a St Benet's Mill, c. 1831 (photo).
Went to National Museum, Cardiff. N. D. L. much struck by a 'Blue Landscape', with dark green trees. He thought it to be the estuary of the Vale of Festiniog. 'Derwent Wood period', in perfect condition.

{Sketch in pencil}

There was also a 'classical landscape' 'garden foliage & seated figure' of the same kind as those in the Norwich Museum. 'J. S. Cotman 1830.' 9½ x 11½
Also, 'Buttermere Aug 17, 1804). P. S. M(unn) a vignette in sepia & indigo.
A wet drive in the dark to Abergavenny, where we slept.