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Great Brdige, Cotman

Cotman was born in Norwich, England, the eldest son of a prosperous silk merchant and lace dealer, and was educated at the Free Grammar School. He showed a talent for art from an early age and would go out on frequent drawing trips into the surrounding countryside.

His father intended him to go into the family business but instead, intent on a career in art, he moved to London in 1797-98, initially making a living through commissions from print-sellers. He came under the patronage of Dr. Thomas Monro, whose house was also a studio and a meeting place for artists. There Cotman made the acquaintance of J M W Turner, Peter de Wint and Thomas Girtin - the last, in particular, becoming a very influential figure in his artistic development. He joined a sketching club started by Girtin, and went on drawing expeditions to Wales and Surrey.

In 1800, at the age of eighteen, Cotman exhibited at the Royal Academy for the first time, and was also awarded an honorary palette by the Society of Arts. He continued to exhibit at the Academy until 1806, and also went on several extended drawing trips through England and Wales.