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Lot Essay
Abbott, an apothecary and surgeon, was born in Exeter and his finest works depict his native Devonshire. A friend and patron of Francis Towne (1739-1816), under whose guidance he learnt to paint, Abbott made sketching tours all round England, but delighted in painting views of his home county. Under Towne's influence he mastered the technique of the delicate pen outline and in his large drawings he exploits the contrast between loose, flat washes and delicate tracery.
Ugbrooke Park was the seat of the sixth Lord Clifford (1759-1831), friend and patron of Francis Towne. Towne was a frequent visitor there and drawing master to Lord Clifford's children. Presumably Abbott visited Ugbrooke in the company of Towne. Robert Adam and John 'Capability' Brown were commissioned to remodel the house, grounds and garden in the mid-18th century.
Ugbrooke Park was the seat of the sixth Lord Clifford (1759-1831), friend and patron of Francis Towne. Towne was a frequent visitor there and drawing master to Lord Clifford's children. Presumably Abbott visited Ugbrooke in the company of Towne. Robert Adam and John 'Capability' Brown were commissioned to remodel the house, grounds and garden in the mid-18th century.