This outstanding collection is designated by the UK Government as being of international importance. It began in the s with Robert Townson and his son, William. It then passed to Charles Rogers , an avid print collector and gentleman scholar. After Rogers, it passed through three generations of the Cotton family until William Cotton III , who made it a public collection in by donating it to Plymouth Proprietary Library.
The Cottonian Collection is a rare survivor because it was created by middle class, rather than aristocratic people. It represents the changing tastes and interests of five generations of men over more than years, and tells us a great deal about what they thought was interesting, curious or important. You can see the collection and find out more in our Cottonian Research Room and search the entire collection online. The Cottonian Collection holds more than 2, volumes, ranging from the s to the s and covering many subjects such as architecture, art, exploration, philosophy, literature and travel.
We also have a rare medieval Book of Hours, painstakingly hand written and illustrated in France during the s. The prints in the Cottonian Collection date back to the mids when Robert Townson began collecting books, prints and drawings. He started collecting in the s and over a lifetime he built one of the largest and finest print collections in England. Rogers developed a discerning eye. He frequently changed prints for better impressions and used his network of dealers and agents to collect across Europe.
As a result, the collection is extraordinary in the scale, scope and quality of content. The prints are mounted in a series of volumes which has contributed to their good condition. The two volumes contain facsimile prints of original old master drawings from Rogers' own collection, the Royal Collection and other private collections in England, including that of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Rogers commissioned the leading engravers of the day such as Bartolozzi, Ryland and Basire to make copies that would appear as close as possible to the original drawings in size, colour and style.
After moving to Ivybridge in later life, he made contact with the Reynolds family and began to research the artist. Image credits: Top image - Some of the many historic volumes in the Cottonian Collection library Middle image - Indian watercolour drawing from the Mughal School, c Museum Gallery Archive. Osman Yousefzada - When will we be good enough?
