SAMUEL COOK, ARTIST. 409 
with the shipping and boats, the wooded banks running down to 
the shore, the old houses on and near the beach, Hartland Point, 
the pebbly beach—all afforded subjects especially suited to him. 
He had gained greatly in experience of outdoor sketching, and he 
was now amongst the subjects he mostly loved and was most 
familiar with. 
Fortunately for all of us, and for Cook in particular, my friend 
Mr. Hook, the Royal Academician, was at this time staying at 
Clovelly, and painting those pictures which have made his name 
pre-eminent in the art world for their speciality. Those who visit the 
Royal Academy exhibitions are obviously familiar with Mr. Hook’s 
powerful and truthful sea-coast subjects; for there are none that 
will compare with them. Mr. Hook was at that time an Associate 
in the Royal Academy, and I remember predicting to him that he 
would certainly receive his promotion at the next election, which 
prediction was realized. In Samuel Cook, whom he had not before 
seen or heard of, he found a kindred spirit, and these distinguished 
artists soon fraternized, compared notes, discussed art subjects, and 
became friends. Mr. Hook painted only in oil, and Cook at this 
time only in water colour. These vehicles formed, perhaps, the 
chief distinction between their works. They both intuitively felt 
and expressed the beauty of the sea, with its ever-varying colours, 
and shadows, and forms. So much is there in association that, 
ludicrous as it may seem, I have quite fancied I could smell the 
salt water when looking at one of Hook’s powerful sea subjects. 
No one has ever equalled him in his peculiar line, not even Stan- 
field, in my opinion. Stanfield, indeed, on being shown some of 
Cook’s sketches, expressed the highest admiration of them, and 
Hook, since the death of our friend, the subject of this paper, has 
spoken to me of his appreciation of his genius. 
We spent much time in Mr. Hook’s company at Clovelly, and 
my holiday having expired, Talfourd and I left him and Cook, 
with Philp, still sketching there,.where they were subsequently 
joined by Mr. Mitchell. 
A drawing made by Cook from one of his best sketches on this 
occasion was exhibited in London, and the late Tom Taylor wrote 
the criticism on it, already referred to. This drawing was eventually 
purchased by the late Mr. Alfred Rooker of this town, and no 
doubt is still in the possession of his family. 
Having thus alluded generally to what Cook did out of doors, 
