The Cotman Collection | 49

Cotmania. Vol. IV. 1929-30

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/2/1/4
Page: 18 recto (numbered 31)


  • Description

    Kitson's visit to Herbert Powell's collection of watercolours, with description of the Cotmans he saw, and three sketches

    Kitson's visit to Herbert Powell's collection of watercolours, with description of the Cotmans he saw, and three sketches

    Date:

  • Transcription

    Feb. 3. 1930. Went to see the Herbert Powell Collection of watercolours at the Tate. There are 6 Cotmans - (1) Llanthony Abbey, 'Cotman, 1801.' 17 1/2 x 13. brown and blues, good condition. Laboured, ambitious, rather good.
    {sketch}
    (2) Ruins + Cottages. N. Wales. (?Conway)
    10x14. Very early, might be 1800. muddy, overworked, but has pattern, dignity and promise.
    {sketch}
    (3) Rievaulx Abbey. Pencil. 'J. S. Cotman.' 15 x 11. a well drawn detail of part of the choir (like my Castle Acre)
    (4) Harlech Castle. 'J. S. Cotman' 10 1/2 x 16 1/2. c. 1803 - [[4]]. In perfect condition + a very lovely thing. Exhibited Tate Gallery 1922. No. 5 (photo)
    (5) A Harbour Scene. 'J. S. Cotman 1832.' 9 x 11 3/4. The Dolphins, London Docks. June 25 1831 (my 529 pencil drawing) is reproduced here. Very blue sky, white seagulls. excellent condition. Delightful drawing.
    {sketch}
    (6) "On the Ramparts at Domfront, France." 8 3/4 x 12 1/2. Sepia & red reedpen ink. very 'drawing-mastery' Same scene & arrangement of figures as Sir H. Bacon's watercolour, which is only 6⅞ x 10⅞.

Kitson's visit to Herbert Powell's collection of watercolours, with description of the Cotmans he saw, and three sketches