Bell, Charles F.

This file contains ninety-five letters and postcards from Charles F. Bell, dated between 9 Feb 1939-3 May 1951, concerning a wide range of matters, both professional and personal.

The letters include discussion about the people and organisations active in the art historical world at the time, including - most notably - the Walpole Society (with which they both had involvement) and fellow art historians. Discussion is of both an academic and personal nature.

The letters also include discussion about Bell's own work, in particular Bell, C.F. & Girtin, T. (1935) The drawings and sketches of John Robert Cozens: a catalogue with an historical introduction. Walpole Society, 23, London : Walpole Society and Bell, C.F. (1926) John Sell Cotman (the Bulwer collection). Walkers Quarterly, 19-20, London : Walkers Galleries.

The letters further include discussion of various artists, their works and technique, with regular mentions of John Robert Cozens, John Baptist Malchair and Thomas Girtin. They also include discussion about the exhibitions or works in private collections that Bell went to see; as well as sporadic discussion of the collecting and sale of works of art.

The letters also contain frequent reference to the Second World War, particularly with regard to its effects on London life.

Open for research. Readers must fill in an 'Reader Agreement Form' which outlines the reading room rules and conditions concerning privacy and Data Protection

Charles Francis Bell (1871-1966) was an art historian, collector and close friend of Oppé. He published several catalogues and monographs on British artists, including John Sell Cotman and John Robert Cozens. Also, in his capacity as keeper of Fine Art at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (assistant keeper, 1896-1909; keeper, 1909-1931), he published catalogues on prints and drawings in the Ashmolean's collection and other collections in Oxford. Bell was also a trustee at the National Portrait Gallery between 1910-1940.