GRUBB

Barton, who was born in London, joined the Royal Mint’s Melbourne branch as one of two assayers on its opening in 1869; in 1887 he was promoted to Superintendent, and in 1895 to Deputy Master, holding that position until his reitrement in 1904. See his entry in the Encyclopaedia of Australian Science and Innovation. In case Barton has misspelled the name, the recipient may be William Dawson Grubb (1817-1879) or his son Frederick William Grubb (1844-1923), who have a joint-entry in the Australian Dictionary of National Biography. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. Signed ‘Robert Barton’.

All items clear and complete, on aged paper. Letters totaling: 4to, 1 p; landscape 8vo, 5 pp. The two cards carry long messages, written in red ink in Grubb's close, neat hand; one is standard size, the other 27 x 13.5 cm. Five envelopes are stapled to their letters. Grubb ('one of the last survivors of the famous 1960s Hampstead coterie of writers, actors and critics') writes entertainingly in an emphatic, energetic manner marvellously evocative of the 1970s London literary scene.

Printed, in a variety of types and point sizes, on one side of a piece of landscape 8vo paper. Text clear and complete. On aged and creased paper, which has been laid down on a backing of pink card. In full reads 'FOXES. THE COMMITTEE appointed to investigate into the melancholy circumstances attending the malicious POISONING of the FOXES IN THE PARISHES OF Buckland Filleigh and Sheepwash, Will sit daily, during Lent, (weather permitting) at the TOWN HALL, TORRINGTON. | LORD AQUEDUCT, Chairman. | PETER BLUNDERHEAD GRUBB, Secretary. | N.B.