Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/2
Page: 56
Description
Cotman enquires about Norfolk plates for disposal by engraver, Edmund Bell. 08/07/1812
Letter from John Sell Cotman to E. Bell, 8th July 1812.
Date: 08/07/1812
Transcription
To E. Bell.
July 8 - 1812.
Dear Sir
As I have been told indirectly that the plates you originally intended for your Norfolk work are to be disposed of, I take the liberty of writing to you for a confirmation of that report - and if they are to be disposed of, tell me their number and what would be their price, as in the case of their being within my compass I should be glad to have them to add to my etchings on the same subject.
Should you have a compleat (sic) sett (sic) of impressions you would oblige me by sending one sett or two setts, carefully rolled up. and I will settle with your [1 word illegible] for the amount.
Mrs Cotman begs to be Remembered to Mrs Bell & joins with me in compliments to yourself.
Yours [1 word illegible] John S Cotman.
South Town, Yarmouth.
//
note in left margin: The original belongs to Mr F.J.Farnell, of Beccles.
//
note: xxx 'Bell' was in all likelihood Edmund Bell. Engraver of Norwich: an original member of the Norwich Society of Artists & an exhibitor at their 1st exhibition in 1805. Before 1810 he had removed to Worcester, as he is described in the catalogue: of the Norwich exhibition of that year as "Mr Edmund Bell of Worcester, Honorary member." He published engraved views of the city & a volume - "The antiquities of Norwich."
see Dickes - Norwich School of Painting. Mr Mount, bookseller Norwich says he has never seen a copy of Antiquities of Norwich. It is probable that publication was contemplated but never accomplished.