The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

(pencil notes) 122
[Norwich]

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Dawson Turner Esq.
Jun: 22 1830.

Dear Sir,

The excellent list of members was only given to me last night at the door of the Conversazione Rooms. It is the only one I have. By the Bank parcel one shall be sent to J. Brightwell Esq, & to yourselves.
It was the most brilliant thing ever witnessed for Norwich art, and not one thing went amiss. We, the artists, have reason to be perfectly satisfied. It was as far beyond my expectations as possible, and I was one of the most sanguine upon the subject of any. I saw to great extent what it might be, but could not have calculated upon its entire success. I have not been in Bed till past 4 o’clock for the last months past – seeing the importance it would be if to be triumphant – and the total abandonment it would be to all chance of being respectable as a body of artists in the event of a failure.
‘Tis a most triumphant event for provincial art, though it arose from flowers left on the grave of one of its greatest ornaments, Sir Thomas Lawrence* – he was buried that day.
May we be ever grateful to the good feeling showered upon us all and on our endeavours.
My dear Sir,
Your obliged & obed. Servant
John Sell Cotman.

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(pencil notes at base of page) *Sir T Lawrence died Jan 7th 1830.
[On paper with 1826 watermark]