The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

133
Lady Palgrave (Elizabeth Turner) to Dawson Turner.
Duke St.
Oct 17-1833.

..... Frank called yesterday on Mr Otter, the Principal of King's College to ask him to recommend a tutor for the children.... He, in his turn, asked Frank to recommend him a Drawing Master for the College. Frank mentioned Mr. Cotman, and we are going today to send a volume of his Normandy to King's College, as a specimen of his art. It is not yet certain that the appointment of Drawing Master will be added to the college; but it will be a very desirable thing , I should suppose, could it be preserved for Mr Cotman, for the college appears to answer extremely well as a school, and the Master there would have a highly respectable situation, and might increase his income by making Drawings, if not by taking private pupils, of course. We have since doubted whether it might not be better, considering the very uncertain state of mind and spirits of Mr Cotman, to mention his son Edmund for the situation. What do you think of his abilities, dear Papa? Frank suggests, as Mr Otter knows you so well, that a letter from you, and your opinion on the subject of either Mr Cotman or Edmund's eligibility, would be the effectual recommendation of either