The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

15
Dawson Turner Esq.
December 8th 1806. Norwich.
Dear Sir,
In consequence of advice from several of my friends in Norwich, I have taken a house on Wymer St, for the purpose of opening a School for Drawing & Design. It will give me the opportunity of turning myself about during my stay, and studying painting, which of late I have done but little, having been engaged much in other things. My reason for troubling you with this, Sir, is this; for the last fortnight after Christmas I shall open my Rooms as an Exhibition for about a fortnight. I am aware of the daring of such a scheme, and I hope the public will consider it with candour, and that it is the effort of but an individual.
To add to my collection I should with gratitude receive the favour of the loan of your drawing "Fountain's Abbey.* If you could so far oblige me, I will thank you to favour me with the size of [the] frame, that I may keep it as little time as possible when you do favour me.
With Respectful Compliments to Mrs Turner,
I am, dear Sir,
your obliged & obedient Servant,
John S. Cotman.

Printed in James Reeve: Introduction to the Cotman Exhibition at Norwich. 1888. p. 4.