It is my strict charge that after my decease no plaster cast, model, or likeness whatever be permitted to be taken. - 'Tho. Gainsborough'. - Thomas Gainsborough

It [the painting 'Cornard_Wood', painted in 1748 ] is in some respects a little in the schoolboy stile - but I do not reflect on this without a secret gratification; for, as an early instance how strong my inclination stood for Landskip [landscape], this picture was actually painted at Sudbury in the year 1748; it was begun before I left school; - and was the means of my Father's sending me to London. It may be worth remark that though there is very little idea of composition in the picture, the touch and closeness to nature in the study of the parts and minutia are equal to any of my latter productions. In this explanation I do not wish to seem vain or ridiculous, but do not look on the Landskip as one of my riper performances. It is full forty years since it was first delivered by me to go in search of those who had taste to admire it! Within that time it has been in the hands of twenty picture dealers, and I once bought it myself during that interval for nineteen Guineas. Is not that curious? - Yours, my dear Sir, most sincerely, Thomas Gainsborough.

[I] Pray do you remember carrying me to a picture-dealer's somewhere by Hanover Square, [London], and my being struck with the leaving and touch of a little bit of tree[?]; the whole picture was not above 8 or 10 inches high and about a foot long. I wish if you had time that you'd inquire what it might be purchased for..

Whilst a Face painter is harassed to death a drapery painter sits & earns 5 or 6 hundered a year & laughs all the while.