The Cotman Collection | 43

The Cotman Letters 1834

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/3
Page: 67


  • Description

    Copy of letter from Miles Edmund Cotman to John Sell Cotman, 27 February 1834

    Miles Edmund is growing a moustache. He comments on his father’s wig. He is nervous about giving a lesson in watercolours.

    Date: 1834

  • Transcription

    Addressed to John Sell Cotman Esqr.
    27, Charlotte St.
    Bloomsbury, London.

    Feb. 27/34.

    My dear Father.
    I thank you for the razors you sent me and pay you most willingly the fourpence you charge for them. I only regret that I shall not now have so much use for them as I had intended for I have according to Mr Geldarts advice suffered my moustaches to grow that they may hide the crack in my lip and improve my appearance altogether. I am not afraid of being considered foppish or of being laughed at and scolded by you if you continue to wear your wig – a young puppy is bad enough, an old one is insupportable.
    I quite intend to make if I can some beautiful chaste ultramarine drawings and shall make them to fit frames. I had intended to commence on Monday but cannot as I am to give Mr. Foster a lesson in water color on that day. He is going abroad at Midsummer and wants to be able to sketch in color. I am rather shivery about it, rather nervous, but quite intend to do the best I can with him. How in the name of fortune did you suppose I had made drawings? that you send for all I have made. Why I have not touched the brush – only a few pencil drawing[s] for pupils I have had so much to do. I have not been idle I promise you (with the exception of last Monday) since you left, yet have not drawn.
    I thank you too for the color box I shall soon make a trial of it and as you said “shall find it the most useful” the razors having only to perform on my chin. I do not much regret not seeing the armour for to tell the truth had you sent for me I should have had more real

Copy of letter from Miles Edmund Cotman to John Sell Cotman, 27 February 1834