The Cotman Collection | 70

Cotmania. Vol. IX. 1933-4

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/2/1/9
Page: p. 30 recto


  • Description

    Journal entry, and letter from Augustus Walker to Sydney Kitson.

    Journal entry and letter detailing the circumstances surrounding Kitson's acquisition of a Cotman drawing titled "J. S. Cotman On the Wharf" and an exchange between Kitson and Augustus Walker.

    Date: 1933-1934

  • Transcription

    [journal entry]

    Aug 3 1934
    I went to London the day after the sale: saw Walker and Whitehead, who had not yet collected the drawing- lot 73 at Christie's the day before- "J. S. Cotman On the Wharf"- Walker said he wanted to strip it to see if there were any notes on the old mount. Whitehead said he wanted the drawing to [help] to sell the [illegible 1 word] at their next show. Walker appeared with the drawing at the 6.5 [illegible 1 word] and offered £10 to release it- I took the drawing. On Sunday [morning] Walker rang up to say Whitehead wanted the drawing back, and would I take £10 profit? I wrote to him- the reply is below.

    [letter]

    Walker's Gallerie's LTD.
    118 New Bond Street
    London, W.1
    Mayfair 0722

    8 August 34

    Dear Mr Kitson,

    In answer to your kind letter I would rather you had the Cotman than any other collector, it will be an enhancement to your collection and belong to an [enthusiastic] owner, I would not have parted with it to anyone else, without first [buying] it myself. You must out this down to my fine will toward you, and not to any ignorance of its qualities or cupidity.

    Yours sincerely,

    Augustus Walker.

Journal entry, and letter from Augustus Walker to Sydney Kitson.