William Lock, Norbury Park
Sir,
Richard Wilson
In answer to your inquiries about
Wilson the painter I am sorry to say we
have no longer any of his pictures, my Father
sold them with the rest of his collection.
The Celadon & Amelia, of which there is a
print was reckoned one of his best works.
My Father was a very old friend of Wilson's.
He became acquainted with him at Venice
when he was painting his first landscape
by way of experiment, for Wilson was a
portrait painter & not a bad one, as a picture
he then painted of my father proves. From
Venice my father gave a Wilson a seat in his
chaise to Rome, they travelled slowly &
Wilson sketched all the way. I have got
these sketches as well as many of his
finished drawings. When at Rome
Wilson continued without notice or
employment till Vernet the french [sic]
painter much to his honour exchanged
a picture with Wilson - Vernet was
in high repute - & this at once directed
some attention to Wilson - I have
always heard my father speak with respect
of Wilsons [sic] character which was independent &
manly & of his conversation as very amusing
I have the honour to be Sir,
Yr most obedient servant,
Wm Lock Norbury Park 1 Decr 1811
