Pumping Mill Beside a Dyke, Lincolnshire. John Sell Cotman, 1810. Courtesy British Museum.
Norwich Castle Gallery is celebrating the bicentenary of the Norwich Society of Artists by hosting an exhibition called Landscape 200.
Running until the end of June 2005, the aim of the exhibition is to showcase the work of the group of outstanding artists renowned for their paintings of the Norfolk landscape.
“Never before have so many wonderful English Romantic landscapes been seen together in Norwich,” said Nick Lyons, Chairman of the East Anglia Art Foundation (EAAF). “This is a unique opportunity to glory in watercolours of the very highest quality and we are proud to be part of this landmark anniversary.”
A Dismasted Brig. John Sell Cotman, 1809-1810. Courtesy British Museum.
A highlight of the exhibition is James Reeve’s collection of watercolours by John Sell Cotman, on loan from the British Museum. This beautiful array of paintings explores the story of Reeve’s own collection and his links to Cotman, whose work he championed.
Cotman has the ability to give the most monstrous objects a delicate and sensitive feel through the use of watercolours. I was in awe as a strolled around the gallery, as I’m sure everyone else was too.
Mousehold Heath. John Sell Cotman, 1810. Courtesy British Museum.
As I explored the exhibition I got a real sense of the painter behind the work. I could feel Cotman’s passion for exhilarating scenery and through his paintings and drawings this passion reflected in myself.
James Reeve was a patron of the arts, collector, archivist and painter whose links with the Norfolk and Norwich Museum spanned over 70 years. As curator from 1851-1910, he knew many of the Norwich School artists personally and was instrumental in building the museum’s Norwich School collection.
Greta Bridge, Yorkshire. John Sell Cotman, 1810. Courtesy Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service.
The exhibition brings together the different elements of the Reeve collection for the first time since their dispersal. Included amongst the 80 watercolours and drawings are such masterpieces as Drop Gate, Duncombe Park and The Dismasted Brig from the British Museum, as well as Greta Bridge from Norwich Castle.
“Norwich Castle is home to the finest collection of watercolours by John Sell Cotman,” explained Andrew Moore, Keeper of the Art at Norwich Castle.
Horses Drinking. John Sell Cotman, 1806. Courtesy British Museum.
“Landscape 200 offers visitors a special opportunity to appreciate the breadth of Cotman’s contribution to the history of British watercolour,” he continued, “through three of the strongest collections of his work: the Castle’s own permanent collection, the Hickman Bacon Collection and that of the British Museum.”
Landscape 200 is presented in partnership with the EAAF, which helps to bring world class art to Norfolk and supports the art exhibition programme at Norwich Castle.
