The Cotman Collection | 16

The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/2
Page: 16


  • Description

    Advice on Lord Stafford's invitation to John Sell Cotman, in letter from Francis Cholmeley, York 14th July 1806 .

    Transcript of letter to John Sell Cotman from Francis Cholmeley, 14/07/1806

    Date: 14/07/1806

  • Transcription

    shows us how uncertain is Protection of any kind, and that the Patronage of ye most rich and powerful is very rarely so advantageous as it ought to be. Francis has not raised my spirits by telling us how unsuccessful a Winter you have had, but your own self accusation of Extravagance he seems not to believe, at least he says he knows of none you were guilty of. He seems very anxious for your prosecuting you Scheme of painting in Oils, and I believe no Artist that once begins, that ever wishes to relinquish it. I am grieved and surprised at your want of success far more than I express, and can only anxiously hope that if any defects in your Stile of drawing have a share in causing it, you will have Will and perseverance, as you certainly have power to correct those faults. You are come my dea friend to an important time in your Life when your own future fame and success must much depend on yourself. For Gods sake, for ye sake if those you most love do not any longer be negligent or any way blameable, but apply steadily and vigorously and profit to the utmost of the advantages you may derive from Lord Staffords invitation and patronage. You ought to know by my example that your best friends criticise you the most severely. tis your good only I have uniformly sought in saying things to you I knew would give you offence but you have too often found I was right in my advice when believe me I had far rather have been wrong than you should! You will now perhaps dear Cotty be angry when I tell you I wish your last letter had been a little more quiet and sober. Your joy seems to me foolishly extravagant, for a very precarious advantage! It will give me real Joy indeed, to find every thing answers your Expectations there, but Alas! how few Events in Life ever do this, and therefore we should always be armed against disappointment, which your ardent sanguine Spirit I fear

Advice on Lord Stafford's invitation to John Sell Cotman, in letter from Francis Cholmeley, York 14th July 1806 .