CHELSEA

[The Chelsea Physic Garden, London.] Printed invitation ‘at the Opening of the Garden’, and Laboratory andn Lecture Rooms by Earl Cadogan, made out to Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Sir William Thiselton-Dyer, and his wife.

Author: 
The Chelsea Physic Garden, London [Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer (1843-1928), botanist, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]
Chelsea
Publication details: 
At the Opening of the Chelsea Physic Garden, London, 25 July 1902.
£180.00
Chelsea

See Thiselton-Dyer’s entry in the Oxford DNB. Printed on one side of a 10 x 13 cm piece of paper, and made out in manuscript to ‘Sir William Thistleton [sic] Dyer (and Lady)’. Text size in good condition, lightly aged, with the blank reverse of the card with slight damage from mounting. The recipient has written in a close hand in red ink at top left: ‘accepted. / 18. 7. 02.’ The text reads: ‘The Chelsea Physic Garden.

[Abbé Jean Nicholas Voyaux de Franous (1760-1840), founder of St Mary’s Church, Cadogan Street, ‘the father of Roman Catholicism in Chelsea'.] Autograph Letter Signed regarding 'a place in the Chapel' for 'Miss Harvey'.

Author: 
Abbé Jean Nicholas Voyaux de Franous (1760-1840), founder of St Mary’s Church, Cadogan Street, ‘the father of Roman Catholicism in Chelsea'
Publication details: 
Dated 9 April 1837.
£50.00

According to the Victoria County History, Jean Nicholas Voyaux de Franous (1760-1840), a Frenchman, is ‘traditionally seen as the father of Roman Catholicism in Chelsea’. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Signed ‘Abbé Voyaux de Franous’ and addressed to 'Dear Madam'. Indisposition is the cause of his delayed response. He was without ‘the least idea that Miss Harvey was without a place in the Chapel and gave immediate orders to have her accommodated with one.

[Lady Maud Wilbraham, President of the Silver Thimble Fund.] Autograph Card Signed to ‘Mrs Allan’ [Mrs Evelyn Julia Allan] of the Red Cross, thanking her for a contribution, and deploring the state of the times.

Author: 
Lady Maud Wilbraham [Lady Alice Maud Bootle-Wilbraham] (1861-1922), President of the Silver Thimble Fund [Mrs Evelyn Julia Allen of the Chelsea Red Cross; Mrs Hope Elizabeth Hope Clarke of Wimbledon]
Publication details: 
1 June 1918. With printed details of ‘The “Silver Thimble” Fund’, its Wimbledon address deleted and replaced by Wilbraham’s: 26 Lower Sloane Street, SW1 [London].
£35.00

An evocative artefact of one of the most successful British charities of the Great War. The Silver Thimble Fund was founded by Hope Elizabeth Hope Clarke of Wimbledon in 1915, and run from her house. Damaged trinkets made of precious metals, including 60,000 silver thimbles, were collected and melted down, paying for fifteen ambulances for the front and other medical transportation and equipment. The recipient is Mrs. Evelyn Julia Allan, listed in 1918 in the London Gazette as Honorary Secretary, Chelsea Division, British Red Cross.

[‘Hesba Stretton’ (Sarah Smith), novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Henrietta’, regarding the taking of rooms, and her Christmas at the Royal Hospital (Chelsea?).

Author: 
‘Hesba Stretton’ [Sarah Smith] (1832-1911), English novelist and author
Publication details: 
26 December [no year]; ‘Royal Hospital’.
£38.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. On bifolium. In fair condition, but with slight loss to inner upper corner, caused by removal from mount, and resulting in loss to two words on second page, and closed tear at bottom of gutter. Folded once. Signed ‘Hesba Stretton.’ Begins: ‘My dear Henrietta / It was too cold to get over to see you this morning; but as we hope to be so near to you for sme days that signifies less.’ She asks if the recipient’s maid can ‘kindly take the rooms’, as ‘we’ (i.e.

[Card games: 'Whist for two' and 'the game of Mrs. Allport'.] Autograph instructions by 'Miss Stanton' on 'How to play the game of Mrs. Allport' and 'Whist for two'.

Author: 
[Card games; pastimes; Miss Stanton; Mrs Allport; whist; Chelsea, London]
Publication details: 
No date (1920s?). On letterhead of 72 Elm Park Mansions, Park Walk, Chelsea, London, S.W.
£120.00

9pp, 12mo. On twi bifoliums and a single leaf, only the first of the bifoliums carrying the letterhead. In good condition, on aged paper. Folded once and in an envelope with 'Whist for 2. | Rules by Miss Stanton.' on cover. The letterhead has the feel of the 1920s, but the handwriting is Victorian, and presumably that of an old spinster. The first bifolium carries a separate set of instructions over four pages, headed 'Whist for two', and concluding: 'Hope you can read it excuse blots for I cant see what I have written'.

['Pam Chelsea', 1920s London entertainer.] Autograph Magazine Article, signed ('(MR) Pam Chelsea'), titled '"On Tour" | A Magic Phrase - & what It means to The Small Theatrical Artiste' (on those working in small revues, concert parties, road shows).

Author: 
'Pam Chelsea', 1920s 'Small Theatrical Artiste' from London [revues, concert parties, road shows, music hall, variety]
Publication details: 
No date, but 1920s. Author: '(MR) Pam Chelsea | 9 Redburn Street | Chelsea SW3' [London].
£180.00

No information regarding 'Pam Chelsea' (female impersonator?) has been discovered, but the appearance of the document, and its presence in a batch of material relating to 1920s entertainment and broadcasting, date it to that period. 5pp, folio. 'No. of words. 1,063.' Written in a bold hand. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. The article was clearly accepted for publication, as '£1 11. 6 paid' is written at the top of the first page, and '5 line drop cap' at the start of the article.

[ Weeden Butler, cleric, author and schoolmaster. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Weeden Butler') to Messrs Nichols and Son, printers and publishers of the Gentleman's Magazine, asking whether they intend to publish a review he has sent them.

Author: 
Weeden Butler the younger (1773-1831), English cleric, author and schoolmaster in Chelsea who taught Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Publication details: 
Chelsea, 26 July 1821.
£180.00

1p., 8vo. Bifolium addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Messrs: Nichols & son, | No. 26, | Parliament Street, | Westminster.' (Delivered by hand, with word 'Wait.' at bottom left of address.) In fair condition, lightly aged. Written in a bold hand, the letter reads: 'Gentlemen, | I lately sent you by post a careful review of Baron D'Ordre's “Exiles of Parga,” & offered to correct a proof for you. Have you any intention to print the same?

[ Signed by Braithwaite and Keel. ] The Royal Hospital Chelsea | A paper read before The Sette of Odd Volumes At the [511]th meeting of the Sette held at the Savoy Hotel, London on February 23rd, 1937.

Author: 
Gen. Sir Walter Pipon Braithwaite, G.C.B. Governor of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea 'and Peltast to the Sette' [ The Sette of Odd Volumes, London; Shenval Press ] Frederick Keel (1871-1954), composer
Publication details: 
[ Copy 24 of 133. ] London | Imprynted by THE SHENVAL PRESS and sold to NO Bokesellers'. 1937.
£80.00

38pp., 16mo. Internally in very good condition, in red paper boards printed in gilt, with bubbling at front and back, and in chipped and aged glassine wrapper. The number of the meeting has been added to the title in manuscript ('511'), and the signatures of 'Frederick Keel | Singer' and 'Walter Braithwaite' are written in pencil beneath the limitation (no 24 of 133 copies). Scarce.

[ Hugh Foss, Bletchley Park codebreaker ] Draft Autograph Letter UNSIGNED with substantial corrections, all in Foss's hand, to a "Miss Kaye" thanking her fopr a "pleasant evening's dancing".

Author: 
Hugh Foss [ Hugh Rose Foss ] (1902-1971), British cryptanalyst, a Bletchley Park codebreaker [Japanese; Chelsea Reel Club (for Scottish country dancing); German Enigma Code; Japanese Naval Codes ]
Publication details: 
No place or date. Written on notepaper with printed heading "Hon. Secretary, London Fencing Club."
£90.00

Foss was a distinguished cryptanalyst, and his career is described in his entry in the Oxford DNB. At Bletchley Park during the Second World War he was the first person to decode a day's worth of the German Enigma Code (in 1940); and heading the Japanese Naval Section in Hut 7 (between 1942 and 1943). His wife Alison (née Graham, 1908-1979) inspired his interest in Scottish country dancing in the early 1930s. He was Vice-President of the Chelsea Reel Club on its formation in 1935; and became Chairman in 1938.

[ Hugh Foss, Bletchley Park codebreaker. ] Draft of Autograph Letter Signed ('Hugh Foss') as Vice Chairman, Chelsea Reel Club: a circular regarding 'the first meeting of the new season', including the meeting's 'Agenda' in six numbered parts.

Author: 
Hugh Foss [ Hugh Rose Foss ] (1902-1971), British cryptanalyst, a Bletchley Park codebreaker [Japanese; Chelsea Reel Club (for Scottish country dancing); German Enigma Code; Japanese Naval Codes ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 37 Robyns Way, Sevenoaks, Kent. Undated. [ Shortly before 'the Ball at Chelsea Town Hall on Friday, 29th October, 1937'. ]
£220.00

Foss was a distinguished cryptanalyst, and his career is described in his entry in the Oxford DNB. At Bletchley Park during the Second World War he was the first person to decode a day's worth of the German Enigma Code (in 1940); and heading the Japanese Naval Section in Hut 7 (between 1942 and 1943). His wife Alison (née Graham, 1908-1979) inspired his interest in Scottish country dancing in the early 1930s. He was Vice-President of the Chelsea Reel Club on its formation in 1935; and became Chairman in 1938. While at Bletchley he taught a regular class on the subject.

[ Gibraltar Garrison and Chelsea Hospital. ] True copies, both signed 'Rd. Arnold', of 'Warrant for deducting 12d in the Pound', applied to Minorca and Gibraltar, and to Chelsea Hospital, and 'Abstract of the Charge of the foregoing Establishment'.

Author: 
Richard Arnold (1682-1742), Deputy Secretary at War in England, and Secretary at War in Scotland [ Gibraltar ]
Publication details: 
Without place. Circa 1730.
£450.00

On the two sides of a folio leaf of watermarked wove paper. On one side is the copy of the 'Warrant for deducting 12s. in the Pound | To | Our Rt. trusty & Wellbeloved Counsellor Spencer Lord Wilmington, Paymr. General of Our Guards, Garrisons & Land Forces in Great Britain & Forces in Great Britain & Forces abroad | And to the Paymr. General of Our said Forces for the time being', 'By His Majestys Command | G. Oxenden | Wm. Clayton | Wm. Yonge' (but not with their signatures). Certified 'A true Copy. | Rd. Arnold'.

[ Sir Alexander Haddow, Scottish pathologist and oncologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Alex. Haddow.') to Gerald Henderson

Author: 
Sir Alexander Haddow (1907-1976), Scottish experimental pathologist and oncologist
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Chester Beatty Research Institute, Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Cancer Hospital, Fulham Road, London, S.W.3. 28 May 1958.
£65.00

1p., 4to. Very good, in envelope addressed by Haddow to 'Gerald Henderson, Esq., | 14 Bloomfield Terrace, | S.W.1.' He writes: 'Ever since becoming an hon. member of the Chelsea Arts Club I have had it in mind to give a small dinner party for some of the members. This will take place in the Boardroom of the Royal Marsden Hospital on Saturday 21 June (6.15 p.m. for 7 o'c; informal). I write to extend to you a very cordial invitation, and nothing will give me greater pleasure if you are free to accept.'

[ Chelsea Hospital for Officers. ] Programme for an entertainment, signed by 25 performers ('The P.U.O.'s. (Pierrots of Unknown Origin)') and Sir Edward Marshall Hall

Author: 
Chelsea Hospital for Officers, London, founded by Lady Violet Brassey; Sir Edward Marshall Hall (1858-1927), barrister and Conservative MP
Publication details: 
[ Chelsea Hospital for Officers, 40 Upper Grosvenor Street, London. ] 'Xmas 1918.'
£120.00

[4]pp., 8vo. On shiny art paper. Stitched with red, white and blue ribbon into cream card wraps. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The front cover of the wraps has the signature of 'E. Marshall-Hall' at its head, and is illustrated with a spoof coat of arms, featuring three nurses, beneath the heading 'The P.U.O.'s. (Pierrots of Unknown Origin)'. Inside the front cover is a page of spoof advertisements, with in-jokes about the performers, as well as one clearly referring to Marshall Hall: 'I will cure you of the Swearing Habit in 9 days.

[ The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland. ] Printed House of Commons paper on a proposed merger with Chelsea Hospital: 'Copies of Papers respecting the Proposed Abolition of the In-pension of Kilmainham Hospital. (Mr. Charles Wood.)'

Author: 
[ The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland; Charles Wood; the House of Commons, Westminster; John Cam Hobhouse, Lord Broughton; Chelsea Hospital, London ]
Publication details: 
Ordered, by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 26 May 1834.
£180.00

38 + [1]pp., folio. Disbound. In fair condition, on aged paper, with the first leaf chipped and frayed at edges. Repaginated with a stamp 119-158. Kilmainham Hospital was a home for retired soldiers along the lines of Les Invalides, and much of the material in this paper consists of correspondence of Secretaries of State for War John Cam Hobhouse and Edward Ellice. The volume is a response to Hobhouse's proposal 'to bring into one building, and under one management, the several establishments of the in-pensioners of Chelsea and of Kilmainham hospitals.

[ Whistler ] Autograph Signature and compliments.

Author: 
James Abbott McNeill Whistler, artist
Publication details: 
[Address embossed ] The White House | Chelsea Embankment. No date
£400.00

Notepaper, 17.5 x 11cm, ood + condition, in centre "With the compliments of | J a McN. Whistler"

[George Henry Cadogan, 5th Earl Cadogan, as President of the Chelsea Hospital for Women.] Letter in a secretarial hand, with his Autograph Signature 'Cadogan', inviting 'M. Tuck, Esq.' to support the Hospital, in which he takes 'a deep interest'.

Author: 
George Henry Cadogan (1840-1915), 5th Earl Cadogan, British Conservative politician [The Chelsea Hospital for Women]
Publication details: 
Chelsea House, S.W. [London] 7 August 1888.
£60.00

1p., 12mo. On aged and worn paper, with two punch holes at head. The letter is written to enclose particulars (not present) 'relating to the Chelsea Hospital for Women', in which Cadogan takes 'a deep interest'. He hopes Tuck 'may be induced to become one of its supporters, as it is urgently in need of increased assistance'. The Hospital's secretary will acknowledge all contributions on Cadogan's behalf.

[Beryl de Zoete, dance critic and orientalist.] Autograph Card Signed ('Beryl de Z.) to the anthropologist Erich Alport, regarding peonies and 'flower viewing'.

Author: 
Beryl de Zoete [married name Beryl de Sélincourt] (1879-1962), dance critic, orientalist and translator, partner of the sinologist Arthur Waley [Erich Adolph Alport (1903-1972), anthropologist]
Publication details: 
50 Gordon Square, WC [London]. Postmarked date 28 May 1950.
£65.00

In good condition, on aged card. Addressed to 'Erich Alport Esqe. | 195 Woodstock Rd. | Oxford'. The card reads: 'By dint of putting them up to their necks in water every night, all the peonies came out & are only just scattering their petals. I have been flower viewing all the week - two magnificent gardens & the Chelsea show. It was very nice to see you. I hope you will propose yourself again - after I get back from abroad.'

Printed label for 'T. Mudie's (late Dillon's) Circulating Library, 39, Cheyne Walk, near Chelsea Church.' Giving terms of subscription and advertising wares.

Author: 
Thomas Mudie of 39 Cheyne Walk, London bookseller of Scottish extraction, founder of a circulating library and father of the bookseller and circulating librarian Charles Edward Mudie (1818-1890)
Mudie
Publication details: 
T. Mudie's (late Dillon's) Circulating Library, 39, Cheyne Walk, near Chelsea Church. Undated [circa 1810].
£120.00
Mudie

On 11 x 6.5 cm rectangle of paper, laid down on the pastedown of a 12mo calf front board. Beneath the title: 'This Library is enriched with every work of merit, as soon as published; and comprises such a variety of Travels, Histories, Biography, Novels, Plays, and Literature in general, as cannot fail to graify every Class of Readers. | The Daily Papers taken in.' Following this are the yearly, half-yearly, quarterly and monthly terms for borrowing two and four books. Further text follows, beginning: 'Books read by Non-subscribers charged according to the Size.' and ending 'T. M.

Signed engraving by John Cameron, depicting a humorous scene in front of a 'Junk Shop in Chelsea'.

Author: 
John Cameron, artist and engraver [Chelsea, London]
Publication details: 
Without place or date [1950s?].
£180.00

In black and white. Dimensions of paper 15 x 20 cm; dmensions of plate 13.5 x 18.5 cm. In good condition, lightly-aged. Cameron's actual signature ('John Cameron') is in blue ink in the bottom right-hand corner of the card; his facsimile signature is in the bottom left-hand corner of the print, with 'Junk Shop | in Chelsea' in the bottom right-hand corner. A detailed, cartoony image (with Ronald Searle undertones), depicting a stretch of three houses in a terraced street, with a number of customers rooting through junk in front of a corner shop.

Printed handbill headed 'Tradesmen wanted. Join the Royal Engineers of the Territorial Army Field Force and make use of your technical knowledge.' With 'Rates of Pay during Training or on Service' for twenty-one trades.

Author: 
[The Royal Engineers of the Territorial Army Field Force; London Divisional Engineers, Duke of York's Headquarters, King's Road, Chelsea, London; British Army]
Publication details: 
The Headquarters, London Divisional Engineers, Duke of York's Headquarters, King's Road, Chelsea. [1940s.] Printed by 'W. W. S. & CO., LTD.'
£95.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight wear and few short closed tears. An interesting artefact, reflecting the postwar British manpower shortage. The heading is all in block capitals, with 'TRADESMEN WANTED' across the top.

Typed Letter Signed ('Eduardo Paolozzi') from the Scottish sculptor Sir Eduardo Luigi Paolozzi to Hans Brill, expressing interest in a proposition, and suggesting a meeting to discuss it.

Author: 
Eduardo Paolozzi [Sir Eduardo Luigi Paolozzi] (1924-2005), Scottish sculptor [Hans Brill (1930-2001), librarian, art teacher and collector]
Publication details: 
107 Dovehouse Street, London. 13 May 1994.
£350.00

1p., 8vo. Good, on lightly-creased paper. He writes that he was 'very interested' to get Brill's letter. 'I will certainly work on something: I have many ideas, and you will probably be able to select something from what I will show you.' He suggests 'a drink at the Chelsea Arts Club one evening? I now have an answering machine, so you can leave a message there - or even with Monica at the College'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Phil. R. Morris') from the marine artist Philip R. Morris [to S. C. Hall], discussing his difficulty in finding someone to propose him for the Royal Academy.

Author: 
Philip R. Morris [Philip Richard Morris] (1836-1902), English genre and marine artist [S. C. Hall [Samuel Carter Hall] (1800-1889), Anglo-Irish editor of the Art Journal; Royal Academy of Arts]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Junior Athenaeum Club, Piccadilly. 30 January 1874.
£60.00

4pp., 12mo. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He gives his 'best thanks' for his correspondent's 'watchful kindness'. As his 'acquaintance with Academicians is very limited', he has 'not yet solicited any one to propose me at the R.A.', and he 'would gladly accept Mr. E. M. Ward's obliging offer - and think Mr. G. D. Leslie or Mr Dobson would second me'. He made 'such a mistake' the previous evening, by going to the Vestry Hall, Chelsea. He found, 'on reading the circular again how I had erred'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('G R Gleig') from George Robert Gleig, Chaplain of Chelsea Hospital, to the editor of the Literary Gazette William Jerdan'. With portrait.

Author: 
George Robert Gleig (1796-1888), Scottish soldier and author, Chaplain to the Chelsea Hospital, Chaplain-General of the Forces, Inspector-General of Military Schools [William Jerdan (1782-1869)]
Publication details: 
Place not stated; 'Tuesday evng' [postmarked 21 February 1827]
£56.00

3pp., 12mo. A bifolium, with the reverse of the second leaf addressed by Gleig to Jerdan at Grove House, Brompton, and carrying a red postmark and Gleig's seal in black wax. Gleig cannot accept Jerdan's offer of 'admissions for the opera' himself, 'but some most particular friends' of his have 'just come to town', and if he were to 'transfer' his 'kindness' to them, Gleig would be obliged. He gives alternative dates, and an address for the tickets to be sent to.

[Printed catalogue.] Catalogue of the Library of the Belgrave Literary and Scientific Institution.

Author: 
[The Belgrave Literary and Scientific Institution, Sloane Street, Chelsea; James Cook Evans; nineteenth-century lending libraries]
Publication details: 
July, 1837. Chelsea: Printed for the Institution, by William Blatch, 23, Exeter Street, Sloane Street.
£225.00

12mo, 48 pp. Disbound. Incomplete, ending at foot of page 48 with 'Wilson's (H. C.) Pastorals of the Season, 8vo. [1]834', and lacking the 'Regulations of the Library [...] printed at the end of the Catalogue', advertised on p.3. On lightly aged paper, with the only fault a small hole through the title leaf removing the first five letters of the word 'Belgrave' on the recto, and the 'atal' in 'Catalogue' on the verso. Scarce: no copy in the British Library or on COPAC or WorldCat.

The Chelsea Herald. Progressive Conservatism, Local Interests and Social Reforms. Circulating throughout the Borough, in Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith and Fulham.

Author: 
The Chelsea Herald, newspaper [Horsley Woods, proprietor; progressive Conservatism]
Publication details: 
No. 1. Vol. 1. 16 February 1884. 'Printed and Published by the Proprietor, Horsley Woods, at his Steam Printing Works, 207, King's-road, and Manresa-road, Chelsea.'
£85.00

Tabloid, 16 pp. Unopened. Text clear and complete. On aged and foxed paper, with chipping to edges. Editorial, headed 'The Work Before Us', lays out the position of the new paper: 'It will be the duty and ambition of the "CHELSEA HERALD," while neglecting no local interest, while carefully protecting local enterprise from ignorant and intolerant dictation, to do all in its power to strengthen the hands of the True Popular Party of England in the National Legislature of the land.' Reports include 'Alleged Starvation of a child' and 'Jobbery in Fulham'.

Elizabeth Frink. Sculpture and Drawings. 4th June-25th June 1959.

Author: 
Elizabeth Frink [The Waddington Galleries]
Publication details: 
London: The Waddington Galleries, 2 Cork Street, W1. [Printed by Graphis Press Ltd, London.]
£45.00

8vo: 4 pp. Wih four pages of illustrations on art paper, the first being a full-page photographic portrait of Frink by Peter Collins. Stapled. In original blue printed wraps. Good, on lightly-aged paper. No copy on COPAC.

Typed Letter Signed ('Walter Besant') to Mrs [Alice] Westlake.

Author: 
Sir Walter Besant (1836-1901), novelist and historian of London [Alice Westlake (nee Hare); Adam and Charles Black, publishers; The Survey of London; Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Frognal]
Publication details: 
13 February 1897; on Adam and Charles Black 'Survey of London' letterhead.
£45.00

12mo, 2 pp. Seventeen lines of text. On lightly aged and creased paper. Attractive arts and crafts letterhead. Sending his 'mosts profound sympathy in the danger which threatens Chelsea'. He will sign 'the paper [...] with the greatest of pleasure', although he anticipates 'very little good as a possible result'. Suggests a time at which the paper can be sent to him.

Syndicate content