Autograph Letters

Long and unusually entertaining account 'Re Varnish', addressed to an American correspondent. A fascinating insight into the nature of Victorian entrepreneurship. 'It has long been an idea of mine that of all the Trades the most profitable one is Varnish [...] the Germans, clever as they are, can't make Varnish at all [...] nor for that matter can the Americans'.

English Whig statesman, relation of Princess Diana and of Prince William. The envelope is in very frail condition, torn, frayed and discoloured, with some loss. Addressed 'Leamington Oct twenty six | 1834 | John Browning Esq | Viscount Althorp | Downing Street | London | Althorp'. The postmark on the front is in red ink, with a crown topping a circle containing 'FREE | 27OC27 | 1834'; the postmark on the reverse is in black ink, with 'LEAMINGTON' in a circle containing 'OC26 | 1834'. Red wax seal bearing Althorp crest on reverse.

In the first letter Eccles thanks Mackenzie for his congratulations on Eccles' 'scheme for forming a national collection of works of art'. Any help the EAC can give will be welcome, 'as the need for pictures and works of art for Government buildings, both at home and overseas, is really great'. In the second letter he thanks him for his telegram of congratulations 'on the Coronation decorations. Everyone in the Ministry of Works has tried hard to produce something worthy of the Queen and of our contemporary art'. Two items,

English playwright. 'Faithfully yours | Henry Arthur Jones | Feby 4/28'. Pasted to a piece of docketed card. Damp stained.

Victorian novelist and satirist of the Raj. 'Dear Madam | I regret that I shall be away from England all winter | Yours truly | F. A. Steel." Creased, disoloured and docketed in pencil. Writing offset by folding of letter.

Victorian writer and humorist. Difficult handwriting. 'My dear Sir/ | Will Monday be equally convenient to you? If no I shall be happy to see you either here or in town, as shall best suit your leisure.' Docketed with large underlined '2' in blue pencil, creased and discoloured. Blank second leaf damaged by removal from album, and with glue stains and remains of blue paper.

Sct.-Belg. writer (DNB) Perhaps divided in preparation for publication. The following scored through: 'My dear Sir | The above transaction (bien bizarre), I had viva voce from Mr Troyaux - perhaps you will think it worthy of a place in the Chronicle - | I rejoice to find from your friend Mr Thomas Hill [bookcollector, DNB] that you continue going on well & I hope you will be able to make your intended trip to the <...>'.

Whig statesman. 'Sir | I find that some persons have been to see Colonel Fox's house in Addison road & objected that the number of bedsteads, & quantity of kitchen utensils & crockery were scanty - I <...> & effects [last word deleted] common ware goods with [last word deleted] from which they may be supplied - I would sooner buy a <?> him such common things than lose a rest [last two words deleted] the opportunity of letting his house to a respectable tenant - | Vassall Holland'. Recto discoloured by glue from attachment to album. Several crease lines. With closed tear.

Director and Principal Librarian of the British Museum (DNB). The first on dusty discoloured paper with closed tears to edges. Thanks Slocombe for having 'thought of me' and apologises for writing in pencil. Has been 'knocked over by a rather severe attack from which I am only slowly recovering'. The second and third letters are both replies to the Slocombes for seasonal expressions of goodwill and both are docketed in pencil by Slocombe. Three items,

British statesman, several times Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (DNB). Intimate and interesting communication beginning 'I have only time to say in answer to your obliging note, that I shall be most happy to take you by the hand as soon as is convenient to you, as I trust in God that my poor wife after a most severe fever is this day beginning to recover.

Pen name of Frances Elizabeth McFall, novelist (1854-1943). 'Very sincerely Yours | Sarah Grand'. Fold line across middle of paper not affecting text. Remains of four small pieces of gummed paper on reverse.

Victorian geologist (DNB). 'Amongst the many pleasant recollections which the Members of the British Association will retain of their visit to Norwich will be that of their hospitable reception by Sir Robert Harvey. The Lecture over which I had the honor to preside (C.) has to be directly grateful, for we were twice guests at Crown Point.'

Victorian novelist (Mrs Henry Reeves). Docketed 'Authoress of "Coming thro' the Rye"'. Signed 'Helen Reeves' and docketed 'nee Mathers'. Closing two lines of letter above signature, and on reverse five lines (referring to "the dreadful time of yours", partly covered by glued-on piece of paper. Creased and discoloured.

She 'cannot apologise enough for having left his letter of May 29th so long unanswered'. It was supposed to be answered 'on her return from Italy' but was mislaid. She hopes Slocombe will 'forgive the unintentional rudeness'.

Scottish divine and author (DNB). Returns thanks for two letters. Reached London via Glasgow and Liverpool on Saturday. 'Friends in the Committee rather in better spirits. Dr Cook was expected last night & is to be examined to-morrow. My day is Friday'. 'Your Suggestions are quite to the point. The field is perplexingly wide, & has been so crossed & re-crossed, that it is not easy to draw a distinct line of evidence' 'Dr Walsh & Mr Cunningham, & even Dr MacGill have, I understand, given very good evidence.' Says he will call on Mrs Martin if he can.

English politician. 'Are not the editors of the Sporting & Dramatic News going to make any use of your drawings? & if not, would there be any possibility of your being able to let my sister have the pencil sketch you made of her? She would value it very much. | We have been hard at work acting here, & all went off very well.'

Sister of the M.P. Francis Bingham Mildmay. 'I am afraid we shall not be able to avail ourselves of your most kind invitation to view your portraits as we leave town for good on Friday. I shall hope to see your Portrait of Lady Milton, later on.' In a letter of 9 January 1898 F. B. Mildmay refers to Slocombe's 'most kind invitation to view your portraits'.

Anglo-American dramatist (1901-57). One page, 8vo. "How very, very nice of you to write - and thank you so much for seeing my play twice and liking it. / It was all very disappointing and sad - and I dont think there is anything else to say. But I did appreciate your letter: thank you so much."

English actor-manager (1844-1912). One page, 8vo. "I am complimented by the request - but - my time at present is so fully occupied and my powers of description are so poor that I am compelled to say 'no' and I really think your readers have reason to be grateful for the decision / Yours sincerely / E. Terry".

One page, 8vo. "My dear Sir, / I have dined with the Prince alone & well weighed all that can happen at Plymouth, & am prepared to meet it. / The most material Point seems this Will L. vacate on Monday? for as the House has now adjourned till that day, He cannot now accept Office before that day. / Gl Baker breakfasts with me at ten, & if you will meet him or as soon after as shall suit your convenience I shall be most happy to see you. / Very truly yours / Thomas Tyrwhitt". Tyrwhitt was knighted in 1812, and was Usher of the Black Rod from that year until 1832.

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 8vo. "I shall be delighted to come and lunch with you on Thursday, June 11th., if that will suit your convenience, and the invalid promises to be quite well by that time!" Traces of mount glued to reverse of blank second leaf.

Theatre producer (1908-1973). One page, 8vo. "Thank you very much for letting me have the script of "THE CONCERT" which I shall certainly take great care of and return to you." Not in good condition: creased, grubby and foxed.

English actor-manager (1844-1912). 2 pp, 12mo. "I found your note to-day at the Garrick - If you are likely to be in Town again I will give you an Interview. but you must let me have a proof before publication. You promised this at Eastbourne and did not send it." In bad condition: torn, creased and discoloured.

English actor (1864-1932), brother of Ellen Terry and member of the celebrated theatrical dynasty. Apparently in reply to a request for an autograph. "Yours always sincerely / Fred: Terry / 20th July '90". Traces of mount and glue on blank reverse.

Classical scholar, headmaster of Shrewsbury, Bishop of Lichfield (1774-1839). One page, 4to, good condition. He has seen than his correspondent is a subsciber to "the adult orphan scheme" and solicits his vote for the sister of a pupil of his of whom he gives details including that she is one of twelve children of a deceased vicar, none of whom have yet been provoded for. He suggests places they might meet. In a postscript he mentions that his correspondent will receive a book of his.

Actor (1848-1907). One page, 12mo. He thanks him for sending a book. "I shall hope to read much of it on Sunday next". Two strips of paper glued to the reverse.

Actor and pantomimist (1804-1878), "the last true mime", who played opposite the great Joseph Grimaldi. One page, 8vo. Written in a florid hand, "W H S Payne / Theater Royal Covent Garden / Le Roi De Pantomime." The "S" in the signature is in superscript. In a smaller hand at the head of the page the signature of Gustave Garcia.

English actress (1852-1930), sister of Ellen Terry and member of celebrated theatrical dynasty. Fragment of letter, one page, 16mo, of irregular shape. "[...] but I did & do wish you every success dear child & thank you so much for your sweet thoughts of me = / Yours with love / Marion Terry". Remains of mount to the blank reverse.

Welsh actor, dramatist and theatre director (1905-1987). One page, 16mo. "I am afraid I am filming at the moment as well as playing in the theatre, and could not fit anything else in - I am so sorry."

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. The first, signed on Wyndham's behalf by "A. R. S." "I find that instead of putting down Sir Robert Morier's address in my note-book, I simply noted down the evening. Will you kindly send me the address." The second, "Very many thanks. If my rehearsals for my "off season" piece permit me, I shall be very happy to come. Will you kindly grant me a few days' grace to ascertain." Both letters with damage to blank second leaf, including traces of glue and mount. Two items,