The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

To Dawson Turner
February 10. 1811. [Norwich]

Dear Sir,
It is with much pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter of some months since. And I beg leave to return you my thanks for your liberal Patronage, so I could not but choose to accept the names you presented to my list but as so many proofs of your approbation, which I trust you will not have cause to withdraw, as every succeeding Plate has had some progressive improvement or other to distinguish it from the last. It has been my aim althroughout (sic) to improve by every means in my power, even to the article of [[the]] Paper which I caused to be made for me. The substance is stouter & better coloured than most Paints.
Had not this been the case my work would have been out early in January and I had kept my word with the public.
When I come to Yarmouth I shall be most willing to avail myself of your obliging invitation, and most glad should I be could you spare a few minutes from your concerns to call on me, that I might show you my progress.
This summer I am going to commence “Etchings of all Ornamented Antiquities in Norfolk” - and on this subject I shall be happy to receive any information that would lead into proper subjects, etc.
I decidedly follow Piranesi, however far I may be behind him in every requisite - Hudson Gurney has the compleat sett (sic). I know him not, though from report he is the man that would willingly lend every assistance to the Arts in his power. Is it possible to get a look at them for a little time so that I could glean something from that vast heap of excellence.
Present my respectful complliments & thanks to Mr Hooker,
To Mrs Turner & self
Your most obliged servant
John S. Cotman

[Original inserted in Dawson Turner’s copy of Cotman’s ‘Archaeological Antiquities of Norfolk’, in Print Room B.M - ]