The Cotman Collection | 50

The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/2
Page: 50


  • Description

    Insertion of Crest of Dawson Turner on an engraving. 17th December 1811.

    Transcription of letter from John Sell Cotman to Dawson Turner. 17th and 18th December 1811.

    Date: 17/12/1811

  • Transcription

    my advertisement. This has vexed me sadly, for I have written a dozen time, sent him patterns, and yet all will not do.
    I you like the execution of the South Gate, fortune has been most favourable to me, for the margin is sufficiently deep to admit your Arms. The Crest must be inserted I suppose, though it is not always done. The plate with the arms sketched at the bottom was take up in a playful moment, without any design. But I was rather pleased with the effect, and, if you [[L]]like it, I will adopt it. I have written for the plate for that purpose. This plate will stand first. If you wish the Crest to stand, the arms cannot come higher than the base of the present dexter chief. This Plate if you please return as I have no-where the design.
    I apologised before for the length of my letter, and I have now run into a much greater length.
    I am, dear Sir, Your most obliged and obedient servant
    John S. Cotman.

    Wednesday Morning - 18th Dec: 1811.
    It was merely a doubt as to the Paper, if the wrapper be large enough - which, upon comparing with the Plate I find it is. Was the sample sent a half sheet or a whole one? The wrapper which enclosed the few specimens was ha at Messrs C & H. Bird (Birch) 5 Ave Maria Lane, Ludgate St - called Double Crown P[oin]t 5/6 p(er) guinea. Mr Keymer may go on with the order, if you please.
    An additional Subscriber- Frans (sic) Sayers Esq - 4to quarto.

    (pencil notes) Cotman 's etching of the doorway at Wroxham (A.EP, 151) is dedicated to - Frank Sayers M.D., whose publications on general antiquities have long rendered him known to every lover of that study and whose researches have thrown exceeding light on the architecture of Norfolk, this doorway of Wroxham Church is [[dedicated]] inscribed by J.S. Cotman

Insertion of Crest of Dawson Turner on an engraving. 17th December 1811.