200 Years Ago in Norwich : John Sell Cotman Teaches Painting
200 years ago this week in the Norwich Mercury is this advert placed by John Sell Cotman. This wasn’t a new thing for him, he had been doing it for many years and so it must have been successful in getting work in.
John Sell Cotman (1782-1842) was a prominent English landscape painter and etcher, particularly recognised as a leading figure of the Norwich School of painters. Born in Norwich, he displayed an early inclination towards art, diverging from the path of his father’s business. Cotman’s artistic journey began in London, where he immersed himself in the art scene, encountering notable figures like J.M.W. Turner and Thomas Girtin. He became part of their sketching club, embarking on expeditions to Wales and Surrey, which significantly influenced his artistic development. By 1800, he was exhibiting at the Royal Academy, showcasing his captivating landscapes.
“MR. J. S. COTMAN
RE-COMMENCES his Course of Teaching in the departments of DRAWING, PAINTING in
OIL and WATER COLOURS, on the 24th in NORWICH, and at YARMOUTH on the 21st instant.
St. Martin’s at Palace.”
Hindsight is a marvellous thing, and also a bit pointless as this was 200 years ago, but what an opportunity this would have been. Cotman on the other hand often had financial difficulties, as being an artist wasn’t always hugely profitable, so this sort of thing would have bought in extra revenue.
