9 April 1896

The Times, 9 April 1896

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES

Sir,– I am very pleased to corroborate Professor Colvin’s letter in The Times of Friday with regard to the preservation of these drawings, and especially of those by Girtin. I had the good fortune many years ago to see Mr. Henderson’s collection at his own house, and it appears to me that there is very little change in the drawings, owing to their careful treatment by the authorities.

The same remark applies to the noble collection of Girtin drawings bequeathed some sixty years ago by Mr. Chambers Hall. These drawings retain almost their pristine force and colour, thanks greatly to their admirable custodianship. One has only to compare the condition of the water-colours at the British Museum with those at South Kensington, where, for some unknown reason, the authorities have divested them of their white mounts and substituted cumbrous gilt frames, which, however suitable for oil paintings, are quite fatal to water-colours, destroying all effect of space and transparency. This is especially noticeable in the early masters, such as Cozens and Girtin, whose low scale of colour and subdued tones require all the adjuncts supplied by good mounting.

It is quite certain that collectors will be chary of leaving their possessions to an institution where they are treated in so barbarous a fashion.

I am, Sir, yours sincerely,

GEORGE W. H. GIRTIN