FDA-D.142-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.142-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
A Lime Kiln at Cromer, Norfolk
Pilkington
Pilkington
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
collection
collection
Comments
John Sell Cotman was one of the outstanding watercolour painters of the early nineteenth century and, like almost every English landscape artist of his generation, was profoundly influenced by Girtin. Cotman may have met Girtin in North Wales in the summer of 1800; the two artists may also have been together at Bridgnorth on their return journeys to England. Shortly before this, Cotman had the good fortune to be taken under the wing of the amateur artist and collector Dr Thomas Monro, who had already forwarded the careers of Girtin, Turner and others, including William Alexander. Joseph Farington reported in December 1799 'Dr M is bringing forward another young man, who comes from Norwich'.
This kiln near Cromer, in Cotman's home county, was painted by him on more than one occasion. A version of the Eton drawing is in the V & A (E 219-1939). Another similar drawing, or possibly the Eton version, was once in the collection of Sir Thomas Barlow. The 'Lime Kiln' may be dated to the period 1808-10. The inscription '469' indicates that it became part of Cotman's circulating library, a scheme established in 1809 whereby student subscribers could borrow original works to copy.
Lime kilns were once liberally scattered across the countryside and were to be found in all shapes and sizes. Lime, made from limestone or chalk, was an essential material for builders, who used it in mortar, render and distemper, and for farmers, who used it as a soil improver. The development of the rail network from the mid-nineteenth century onwards allowed production to be concentrated in large-scale units. As a result, modest structures such as the one depicted by Cotman fell into disuse. The artist's liking for the ramshackle appearance of this small industrial building is clear to see. He has skilfully contrasted the solidity of the kiln itself with the flimsy-looking wooden storage silo, enjoying the pattern of the beams silhouetted against the sky.
Inscribed and numbered 469. Probably one of the drawings Cotman loaned to aspiring artists after 1809.
This kiln near Cromer, in Cotman's home county, was painted by him on more than one occasion. A version of the Eton drawing is in the V & A (E 219-1939). Another similar drawing, or possibly the Eton version, was once in the collection of Sir Thomas Barlow. The 'Lime Kiln' may be dated to the period 1808-10. The inscription '469' indicates that it became part of Cotman's circulating library, a scheme established in 1809 whereby student subscribers could borrow original works to copy.
Lime kilns were once liberally scattered across the countryside and were to be found in all shapes and sizes. Lime, made from limestone or chalk, was an essential material for builders, who used it in mortar, render and distemper, and for farmers, who used it as a soil improver. The development of the rail network from the mid-nineteenth century onwards allowed production to be concentrated in large-scale units. As a result, modest structures such as the one depicted by Cotman fell into disuse. The artist's liking for the ramshackle appearance of this small industrial building is clear to see. He has skilfully contrasted the solidity of the kiln itself with the flimsy-looking wooden storage silo, enjoying the pattern of the beams silhouetted against the sky.
Inscribed and numbered 469. Probably one of the drawings Cotman loaned to aspiring artists after 1809.
Other number
Pi 241
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 230mm
width (actual size): 333mm
width (actual size): 333mm
Inscription
Signed and numbered '469 Cotman' (lower left), and inscribed as title (on the reverse of mount)
Materials & techniques note
Pencil and watercolour on oatmeal paper
Production
Person
Cotman, John Sell, 1782 - 1842 (Artist)
Date
1808-1810
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Collection of Alan Pilkington; by whom presented/bequeathed to Eton College
Exhibited: 'Humphrey Ocean: Fresh as Paint', The Verey Gallery, Eton College, 9 June to 30 October 2022, catalogue number 20
Exhibited: 'Humphrey Ocean: Fresh as Paint', The Verey Gallery, Eton College, 9 June to 30 October 2022, catalogue number 20
Previous ownership
Pilkington, Alan, 1879 - 1973: Walker's Galleries; Alan Pilkington bequeathed to Eton 1973
References
• Ryan, H., Hidden Treasures, W.S. Fine Art exhibition catalogue, 2010 (p. 50, no. 20)
• Pilkington, A., Loan exhibition of early English watercolours, drawings by Old Masters, etchings & engravings from the collection of Alan D. Pilkington: in aid of the Distressed Gentlefolk's Aid Association, Colnaghi & Co, London, 1958 (no. 10)
• Whitworth Art Gallery, Exhibition of water-colour drawings by J.R. Cozens and J.S. Cotman, Manchester, 1937
• Pilkington, A., Loan exhibition of early English watercolours, drawings by Old Masters, etchings & engravings from the collection of Alan D. Pilkington: in aid of the Distressed Gentlefolk's Aid Association, Colnaghi & Co, London, 1958 (no. 10)
• Whitworth Art Gallery, Exhibition of water-colour drawings by J.R. Cozens and J.S. Cotman, Manchester, 1937
