EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF WATERCOLOURS, PRINTS AND LITHOGRAPHS BY COTMAN FAMILY OFFERED BY KEYS

A private collection of nearly one hundred watercolours, prints and lithographs by members of the Cotman family, luminaries of the world-renowned Norwich School of Painters, is to form part of Keys Fine Art Auctioneers Autumn Fine Sale next month.

Works by John Sell Cotman and two of his sons, John Joseph Cotman and Miles Edmund Cotman, are included in the collection.

John Sell Cotman studied under John Turner, and exhibited for the first time at the Royal Academy in 1800, aged just 18.  He is best known for his distinctive watercolours of landscapes and architectural features, using washes of tonal colour to create layers of light.

Cotman’s talent was not fully appreciated during his lifetime, and he made little money from selling his work.  After his death, his collection of paintings and library raised just £590 at auction.

Cotman had six children, two of whom, Miles Edmund and John Joseph, became accomplished artists in their own right, joining the ranks of the Norwich School.

“This is one of the most extensive collections of works by the Cotman family to come to auction for many years,” said David Broom of Keys.

The collection goes under the hammer in Keys’ three day Fine Sale on Wednesday 22^nd, Thursday 23^rd and Friday 24^th November.  More details at www.keysauctions.co.uk.