TURNER, J. M. W. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED TO W. B. COOKE, 16 DECEMBER 1813

Autograph letter signed ("J. M. W. Turner"), 2 pages (9 1/8 x 7 1/2 in.; 232 x 190 mm). integral address leaf, n. p., 16 December 1813, to William Bernard Cooke, Pentonville; horizontal and vertical folds.

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Turner to his engraver. William Bernard Cooke (1778–1855) was a skilled engraver known primarily for his marine views. His most important work is Picturesque Views of the Southern Coast of England (1814–1826), after drawings by Turner. Five plates in his Views of Sussex are also after Turner, as are the important engravings Plymouth and The Source of the Tamar.  In this letter, written just before Cooke began to publish the engravings of Picturesque Views, Turner expresses his concerns regarding several of the plates. "I feel the necessity of requesting you will under the peculiar case in which HMSS Michael and Ports[?] are placed — desire Mr. Coombe to deviate wholly from them; and if he has introduced any thing which seems to approximate to be so good as to remove the same, as any likeness in the descriptions (though highly complimentary to my endeavors) must compel me to damn them — by an immediate appeal as to the originality."