The Cotman Collection | Towne, Francis, 1739 - 1816

Francis Towne

1739 - 1816


Francis Towne (c1739 - 1816) lived most of is life in Exeter where he made a successful living a drawing master. He visited Wales, Italy and, in 1786, the Lake District making a series of views in which he recorded the various aspects of his working methods. His distinctive style is based on pen outlines done 'on the spot' and colouring (frequently also done 'on the spot') without the use of a monochromatic underlay makes for extraordinary freshness and elegance.