The Wold of Kent

Linnell began The Wold of Kent on 7 August 1852 (the picture being referred to in his journal as Midday), and worked on it for a further three days that month. On 27 August the dealer William Wethered visited the artist and agreed to buy the picture for 200gns, but not long after he found himself in financial difficulties and was unable to pay the deposit. Linnell did no further work on the painting until December, when he spent a further four days on it. On 24 December the dealers Wass & Hooper expressed an interest in the picture (now referred to as The Wold of Kent), and a week later Wass visited Linnell on his own. 'Mr. Wass came & wanted to buy Wold on his own acct.', Linnell recorded, 'offered 230gns, pay 50 as deposit & rest at close of B. Gall. Refused'. However, when Ernest Gambart came to see Linnell on 8 January, Linnell agreed to sell him the picture for the price that Wass had offered - surely a reflection of the authority commanded by this great dealer-entrepreneur. Gambart signed the following agreement:

'Mr. Gambart agrees to purchase of Mr. Linnell the kitcat picture "The Wold of Kent" for two hundred & thirty guineas - and the small picture of "Shallow Rivers" for one hundred and twenty five guineas. Three hundred guineas to be paid in cash and the balance of fifty five guineas to be paid in Photographic publications such as the Egypt etc at Trade price.

The pictures to go to the British Gallery [i.e. British Institution] for Exhibition this season.
The cash portion of the above to be paid as follows - 50gns when the pictures are sent in to the gallery & the balance at the close of the said Exhibition. Frames are not included.'

Linnell visited the British Institution on 2 February, varnishing day, and recorded in his journal: 'To B. Gall. Picture of Wold of Kent well hung in best room...' The painting was finally delivered to Gambart on 10 May.

We are grateful to David Linnell for his help in preparing this entry.