Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/2/1/9
Page: p. 1 recto
Description
Notes on a visit with Isherwood Kay, and viewing of Cotman works to be sold at Christie's and Sotheby's
Journal entry 1/journal entry 2/ clipping/ annotation to clipping/continuation of journal entry 2
Date: 16-18/07/1933
Transcription
{journal entry }
16/07/1933
Took Isherwood Kay, his wife + B to [illegible 1 word] park [Mrs] Budget showed us round the pictures. Among some rather second rate old water-colours is a Cotman of a cottage gable with the spire of Norwich Cathedral in the background: 2 boys centre foreground— 'J. S Cotman' '1437' (the no late in date?) c. 1807-8— a good drawing, a bit rubbed. Key told me [illegible 2 words] went down to see Bridgeman the grandson + owner of the great Cotman oils in the [illegible 1 word] Collection. He seemed a half-educated man , not well-to-do: offered to sell him a complete set of [illegible 1 word] but said he could never part with the Cotmans.
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{journal entry 2}
18/07/1933
Saw the 'St Mary Redcliffe' to be sold at Christie's on Friday— larger than Girtin + smaller than the B. M version. Signed 'John. S. Cotman, 1801' a blue drawing, a bit muddy. Very comparable with the B.M + more advanced than Girtin's version— saw Walker's [illegible 2 words] : who said he was going to buy it: provided a photo. Went to [illegible 1 word] show—
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{clipping}
J. S. Cotman
J. S Cotman
52a. Pencil Drawing, Slingley Castle 13 x 9 ¼
J. S. Cotman
52b. Pencil Drawing 9 ½ x 7 ½
J. S. Cotman
52c. Pencil Drawing 6 ½ x 9 ½
/
{annotation to cutting}
{continuation of journal entry 2}
Went on to Sotheby's who are selling on the 19th 'a Cotman sea with shipping' signed J.S. Cotman'— very spotted + foxed the pale blue of the sky suggests M.E.C. agnew frame. It was sold to Vicars for £33.