TURNER, Joseph Mallord William (1775-1851). Landscape and history painter.
Good Autograph Letter (third person) to William Bernard Cooke, 1 page 4to with address-leaf, Queen Anne Street West, 20 July 1818. Note of receipt in Cooke's hand at the head. With Cooke's autograph response, dated the following day, occupying the two central leaves.
Informing Cooke (1778-1855, engraver) that his drawing of Hastings was almost ready, and asking what arrangements Cooke was making to pay him for this and other work. Cooke responds at length that he will not alter his established method of making payments.
 The letter evidently relates to Picturesque Views of the Southern Coast of England (1814-26), which comprised forty-eight plates and thirty-two vignettes and drawings commissioned from Turner and others. Several engravers were involved in the work. (See John Munday in ODNB).

'... J.M.W. Turner ... wishes to inform him that the drawing of Hastings being near completion he wishes to know what arrangements Mr Cooke may have to propose respecting it and Three more drawings of the Coast for the next Number, and what consideration Mr Turner is to have for his assistance to Mr Fullers work.'

Cooke's reply:

'... I confess I do not clearly understand the arrangements you allude to, but if you mean to enquire the time you may expect to be paid for it, I can only reply by saying - It shall be paid as I always have paid you as soon as I possibly can. This has been an invariable rule with every one I have had dealings with. ... In regard to the consideration for Mr Fuller's Work I repeat over and over again that I shall say nothing. It is for you to mention what you are entitled to.'

[No: 25258]