Detail from The Canal, Amsterdam, 1889, James McNeill Whistler, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

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Jonathon Blott

Nationality: British
Date of birth: 1847 ca
Place of birth: Woodford, Northamptonshire
Category: artists suppliers

Identity:

Jonathon Blott, oil and colourman, was recorded in the 1881 census as living at 484 Bethnal Green Road with his 34 year old wife Eliza, who was born in Elmham, Norfolk.

The identification of Jonathon Blott as the 'Mr Blott' concerned is not absolutely certain since the 1881 census also records a Samuel Blott, a 55 year old auctioneer's assistant born in Leighton, Huntingdonshire, and living at 124 Cleveland Street with his wife Sarah Ann (then aged 34 and born at Watford).

However, since Jonathon Blott was a colourman it seems more likely that he was the one known to Whistler.

Life:

Blott appears to have been in contact with both Whistler and C. A. Howell in the 1870s, and to have lent money on the security of Whistler's pictures. He may also have been an art dealer.

Bibliography:

UK census 1881, from http://www.familysearch.org (accessed 2004).