Cotmania. Vol. IV. 1929-30

ENGLISH WATERCOLOURS Whether for the quality of its major works,the circumstantial or historical interest of many of the subjects represented, or the unconventional breadth of its range, the annual exhibition of Early English Watercolours at Walker's Galleries, 118, New Bond Street, is distinctly an event of the season. For anybody interested in the subject it is a public occasion - particularly since in the course of making his acquisitions, Mr Augustus Walker has become a recognised authority on the Early English School. There are two Girtins, "Wooded Landscape with Church and House" which looks rather amateurish and may excite some doubts, and "Lincoln Cathedral-1798," showing the western spires which are no longer there. This drawing, with minor alterations, was engraved as the frontispiece to Howlett's "Lincoln" shown at the gallery. The only example of J. S. Cotman is unimportant, but there is a very splendid De Wint, "Country Lane with Cattle Drinking" coming near to Cotman in style, and Richard Wilson is represented by an original design in chalk, for "Mr Greville's Niobe" from Paul Sandby's collection. Sandby himself has four drawings, "The High Road" in particular being an epitome of the rural scene at the period."

The Times. 29. 6. 29.

July 8. 1929. Went to Walker's Exh[ibition] of Early English Watercolours.

J. S. COTMAN, 1782-1842 43. Melton Constable, the Seat of Sir Jacob Astley, Bart. - 1816 (Sepia) 10 1/4 x 6 in. Bulwer Coll: No106. M. E. COTMAN, 1810-1858 44. Bedingham Village and Church - 1840 (Sepia) 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. 45. Bishop's Bridge, Norwich 9 3/4 x 6 3/4 in. 46. Burnham Overy Church from the South-East - 1839 10 x 6 1/4 in. 47. The South Porch and Tower of Toft Church - 1839 5 1/4 x 7 in. 48. Interior of a Room in Castle Acre Priory 9 1/2 x 6 in. 49. Irmingland Hall from the South- West 9 3/4 x 6 in. {Catalogue cutting}

JOHN THIRTLE, 1777-1889 127A. An Old Rectory Sepia on laid paper 'Oct: 29: 1805'. 16 x 12 in. 277B. South Porch - St Michael's-at-Plea, Norwich. 6 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. Watercolour? if by Ninham {Diary entry}

July 9. 1929 called at R. W. S. to look at old catalogues - saw the Cotman there, an imaginary ruin, cross, etc, poor thing. Saw Sir G. Clausen at lunch who told me that Collingwood Smith, the donor of the drawing, had told him that Cotman had drawn it one night at a meeting of his Langham Sketching Club.
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July 15. 1929. Stopped at Thetford (on the way to Norwich) saw the N'fk& S'fk portraits collected and given to the Guildhall by Prince F. V. Duleep Singh. Oil portrait of Cotman rather sunny & puffy. genteel - watch fob. brown trousers.

1. JOHN SELL COTMAN.- T. Q. L. Seated, in a black coat and waistcoat, with auburn hair and whiskers. On it is "J. S. Cotman by A. Clint," and on the back of the frame [[a print of it]] labelled "John Sell Cotman, Author of Antiquities". Mrs. D. Turner's etching from Love's portrait. John Sell Cotman was one of the great artists of the Norwich School. Born in Norwich 11th June, 1782. He died in London 28th July, 1842. George Clint ARA was born 12th April, 1770, and died 10th May 1854. There is no A. Clint recorded.

D.N.B says [[Arthur]] Alfred Clint. 1807-1883. was the son of George Clint, ARA. who taught him. In early life he painted portraits & landscapes. He exh[ibited] 1st time at B.I. 1828 & R.A '29. He began exhibiting S.B.A in 1831. Best known as a marine painter. He exh[ibited] 402 works at R.A. B.I [and] S.B.A. There is also at Guildhall a sepia The Danes' Mount Thetford. (140 Bulwer Coll[ection].)