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The watercolour diaries of a 19th century country gentleman (who preferred keeping a diary of his hunting exploits to work)

The newly-discovered diaries of a wealthy country squire show he spent the majority of his time painting scenes of Victorian life rather than working.

Solicitor George Cooper's journals are full of incredibly detailed sketches and paintings and give a fascinating insight into Victorian life.

But the diaries have also provided a new enlightening picture of the wealthy Somerset landowner - and show he very rarely went to work.

Typical entries include descriptions of his favourite pastimes of shooting, fishing, hunting, cycling and cricket, around the town of Wincanton, with regular mentions of dinners with friends....

Read entire article at Daily Mail (UK)