The Cotman Collection | 92

The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/2
Page: 92


  • Description

    Letter relating conversation with Charles Wild on Cotman joining the Watercolour Society, 5th Jan 1825

    Letter from Mary Ann Turner to Mr J S Cotman, 5th Jan 1825.

    Date: 05 Jan 1825

  • Transcription

    76
    To/ Mr J.S.Cotman
    Jan: 5.1825
    [in pencil, then pen] [Yarmouth.]
    I saw Mr Wild, but he was detained from his scholars, and I could not therefore ask him to let Harriet [in pencil:] [Turner, Mrs Gunn] see his drawings as I wished, but I mentioned Mr Cotman. Mr Wild said he had spoken on this subject in the Society. Mr Cotman isnot a member. He withdrew when they were reorganised; but they would be proud to admit him & no expense attends it. The members all pass through the state of associates, as which Mr Cotman could, if he applied for admission at once, exhibit this Spring. Mr Wild was earnestly desirous that Mr Cotman's drawings should have this advantage, which he considers a great one. The usual way is for a person desirious of admission to send drawings for approval; but Mr Wild said Mr Cotman's known talents would render that unnecessary. He offered to write to him himself or that Copley. Fielding the secretary, should, but I wished you to give him this message first, and I told Mr Wild I would inform him of the answer [first] I received. Pray tell Mr Cotman this with my best respects."
    My Dear Sir,
    We have received a large pacquet (sic) from London this morning, which mamma is now obliged to acknowledge by means of Mrs Brightwen, who is now on the road to London, and kindly ? the ? of letters from us. On this account both papa & mamma are so engaged they have, though reluctantly, transferred to me the pleasure of sending you the above quotation from a letter which we have received the other day from Mrs Palgrave. Papa & Mamma were unexpectedly in Norwich yesterday and they had the pleasure of calling upon you. They were very sorry that they missed seeing you, but they were happy to hear that Mrs Cotman was better, indeed, papa was so happy as to see her. I wish very much, My dear Sir, from what I hear of the Watercolour Exhibition, that you might find the time to make a drawing for it this season. Do you think that those that are now in Mrs Brightwen's possession and which are so beautiful, would be eligible for exhibition time? I feel sure that he would be very willig to allow them to be sent for that purpose.
    I hope that Mrs Cotman's health shall continue to ascend and that the young people are all well and happy this Christmas time. Although it be rather late, I beg to send best wishes for the happiness of the New Year to you & all yours, and believe me.
    My Dear Sir, Yours sincerely - M.A.Turner.

Letter relating conversation with Charles Wild on Cotman joining the Watercolour Society, 5th Jan 1825