Cotmania. Vol. VII. 1931-2

Nov: 30, 1931. Visited the Independent Gallery, where P. M. T[urner] had an “Inexpensive Exhibition of 19th Century English Water Colours”.
[Catalogue entry]
J. S. COTMAN
(1782-1842)
\13. Classical Landscape.
[Notes by Kitson]
upright
c 11 x 8
This is a piece of Classical architecture, bridge in foreground, foliage & a purple woman with a jar on her head. It belongs to Vickers, in whose window I saw it some time ago. P.M.T. asks £95 for it.
Dec 1, 1931. On my return I found that John Sell Cotman had called to look at my drawings; he left his card, with a note on the back –
[Card]
TELEPHONE: 1472 READING.
John S. Cotman, F.C.A.
Emmer Green,
Reading.

Dec 22, 1931. G. D. Thomson called, & showed me a ‘seascape[’] by J.S.C, signed & dated 1801. It is only 8¾ x 7½, but ambitious & advanced. ‘John Sell Cotman’ can be seen written on the mount, thro’ the picture, when held to a strong light. The sky & sea were put in & the ship was superimposed. A wash of light red was first used & then the indigo was used on the top of this.
N.D.L. wrote on Dec. 16 that he has seen 3 large Cotmans, belonging to Mrs. Worthington, who lives beyond Honiton.
(1) St Bennetts Abbey (like Cotman’s).
(2) Interior of a ruined Abbey, 36 x 24. ? Kirkstall, Fountains, Rievaulx, or Tintern or Llanthony.