Cotmania. Vol. IV. 1929-30

Nov. 6. On my return home found a good sepia drawing, 'Castle of Alençon, J S Cotman, 1820'. Sent on approval by Thomson. He had bought it off Crook (who acquired a portfolio of junk at Foster's in Pall Mall) for a pound. I purchased the drawing - for rather more.
On the 5th + 6th I worked at the B.M. [British Museum] on the 'Cotman Family' - +&saw Robert Dixon's drawings - very unequal; a sepia of Bishop's Ferry, Norwich, almost as good as a good Cotman; a w.c. of a cottage very Cotmanish, in the early manner & good.
Nov. 15. Went to V&A Mus: [Victoria and Albert Museum] Where Martin Hardie showed me an early Cotman, on loan from Mrs F. E. Edwards. A Welsh Estuary, cottage, l. figure and sheep (bright) in centre - good, if a little tame. c. 1802-3.

{Newspaper Clipping, The Times, 16.11.1929}
THE FISHMONGERS COMPANY
----
The Fishmongers' Company held a livery dinner on Thursday in their hall at London Bridge, to which many eminient architects were invited. The Prime Warden (Mr Robert Holland-Martin), who presided, was supported by the Renter Warden (Colonel O. H. L. Nicholson) and the Clerk (Mr C.N. Hooper).
In proposing the health of the guests the Prime Warden said that it was a pity that the names of the archirects of many historic buildings were unknown. He added that unless adequate town-planning steps were taken the countryside would not be worth handing down to future generations.
Sir Banister Fletcher, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, responding, said that the architects had always desired a proper appreciation by the public of their art and practice. London was being rebuilt, but the members of his profession desired to preserve as well as to produce beauty.
Sir Reginald Blomfield submitted the toast of "The Fishmongers' Company," which was acknowledged by the Chairman.
Among those present were:-
Lord Hollenden, Vice Admiral Sir Aubrey Smith, Sir William Bull, Sir Gervais Rentoul, M.P., Mr G. Shakespeare, M.P., Sir Theodore Chambers, Sir Vincent Baddeley, Brigadier General Everard Baring, Colonel Angus McDonnell, Colonel Ben Bathurst, Major Humphrey Wyndham, Captain Anthony Methuen, Sir Evan Spicer, Mr Maurice Lubbock, and the following architects: -
Sir R J Allison, Professor L P Abercombie, Mr W H Ansell, Sir Herbert Baker, Mr M S Briggs, Mr H T Buckland, Mr Owen Campbell-Jones, Mr W D Caroe, Mr E Guy Dawber, Mr T E Eccles, Alderman Josiah Gunton, Mr S D Kitson, Mr H V Lanchester, Mr E B Maufe, Mr O P Milne, Mr A E Munby, Mr F W Newman, Mr C H Reilly, Mr H J Rowse, Mr A E Richardson, Sir Giles Scott, Sir John Simpson, Mr L S Sullivan, Mr W Tapper, Mr R Unwin, Mr P S Worthington, and Mr M E Webb.
*'The Times' 16.XI.'29

{Kitson's account of 22nd Nov}
Nov: 22. Met Isherwood Kay in Bond Street. He told me that his pencil portrait signed 'J S C [march] 1841' came up at Christie's a few years back, property of R H Palgrave. - 'Portrait of J S Cotman' sold for 8.8.0 went to Matthews and Brook of Bradford, who sold it to Shepherd of Knaresborough. When it was sent to the N G [National Gallery] to be photographed it was insured for 40£. size 19 1/2 x 14
H B Love exhibited at the Norfolk and Suffolk Institution 1830.
No. 34 Portrait of J S Cotman.

• 65 Portrait of a Gentleman.
  -166 do.
  in 1831
  -23 portrait
  83 portrait of a gentleman
  178 do. do.