Cotmania. Vol. IV. 1929-30

{Clipping}
John Sell Cotman, a member of the Norwich School, was another pioneer who did much for the advancement of water-colour painting. Unfortunately, his work was not appreciated during his career. If he had lived in the first half of the twentieth century he would have had no cause for the fits of depression to which he was subject to during the greater part of life. It can be well recognised that in the first half of last century the public, who were mainly accustomed to carefully drawn topographical scenes, failed to appreciate such paintings as the Italic textClassical SceneItalic text (Plate XIII), executed with such freedom and vigour. It was recently exhibited at the Special Exhibition of Cotman's Paintings at the Tate Gallery, when five other classical landscape compositions were also shown. Cotman's work was not understood. His paintings, both in oil and watercolour, often only realised less than a pound apiece. He was compelled to resort to teaching in order to support his family. Eventually, through the influence of his friend, Lady Palgrave, and the strong support of Turner, he obtained the post of drawing-master at King's College School, London. His position then became more secure. Still, teaching boys in the underground rooms of Somerset House could not have been inspiring to one who yearned to seek Nature in the open air. He could not exclaim, like "Old" Crome, when he was with his pupils was once met on the banks of the Yare, "This is our academy." He died of a broken heart.
{Kitson's note}
From 'Masters of Water Colour Painting' by H. M. Cundall - Studio - 1922.

May 13th. Went to Spencers in New Oxford St. where I found a large number of P. S. Munn's pencil drawings of the Cotman-Munn Welsh tour of July, 1802 - also a rough pencil drawing "J S Cotman - George Cork"-

May 23. 1930. Went to Gooden & Fox, who have a very swagger 'Composition' by J. S. Cotman, exhibited Norwich Exhibition 1888. (No. 184) + illustrated in the catalogue with a litho' by J. M. Marshall. 13 7/8 x 20 1/2. belonged to H. D. Geldart. Condition very good. colour very insistent & hot. c. 1828 - 1832 - with a purple hanging on r. G. & F. ask 400£ for it.
G. & F. also had a very sweet water colour of Castle Acre Priory, c.1804. The surface has been cleaned and the colour has gone in places, but it remains a thing of sheer delight. I took it away with me under my arm.