[Lawrence Dundas, 1st Marquess of Zetland.] Thirty-three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Zetland') to the portrait painter Shirley Slocombe. With eight letters from Lady Zetland, and drafts of two of Slocombe's letters and two accounts by him.

The collection is in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Zetland's letters total 26pp., 8vo; 19pp., 12mo; 1p., 16mo. The theme is the painting and engraving of a portrait of Zetland by Slocombe, and the correspondence casts an interesting light on the relations between patron and artist in late nineteenth-century England, with the drafts of Slocombe's two letters, and his accounts for painting and engraving, adding to its value. On 21 November 1897 Zetland expresses his wish that Slocombe paint a 'half or three quarter length portrait', and there follow discussions of 'alterations and additions', arrangements for sittings, payment and the engraving of the picture. Typical of the cordial tone of the correspondence is the letter of 14 March 1899: 'Dear Mr Slocombe | I'm so sorry to hear you will be unable to send the Picture to the Academy this year and am also so sorry to hear that you have been unwell. I hope you are now restored to your usual health. I am not thinking of coming to Town at present, but as soon as I do so, I will not fail to give you a call & see the Picture. I suppose if alls well I may calculate on having it here next Autumn?' On 22 June 1899 he writes that 'Lady Zetland and I were both of us much pleased with the Picture. The only alteration we could suggest was with regard to the position of the right hand. This you tell me you have now dealt with and I feel quite suree the Picture cannot be further improved. I venture to Town tomorrow & if I may do so I will call to see the Picture one day next week. | I certainly think it could be engraved.' On 4 September 1900 he writes: 'If my Order of the Thistle can be worn over my Robes I think it would be a good thing to introduce the Order into my Portrait. I also think it would, for <?> reasons, be an improvement to remove the scrap of paper on the floor. | If you would come to Aske for a few days any time during the winter, we would be very glad to see you & you might then take the opportunity of making these slight alterations to the Picture.' Lady Zetland's eight Autograph Letters Signed ('L Zetland' and one 'Lilian Zetland') include references to the painting of a portrait of Lady Milton. Also present is a greeting from Lady Zetland, Christmas 1913. The drafts of two of Slocombe's letters are dated 14 September 1900 (2pp., 12mo) and 8 October 1901 (4pp., 12mo). The second begins: 'Dear Lord Zetland | Possibly you are wondering when you are going to get your portrait back? Theh engraving has necessitated the of the picture longer than was anticipated, and a very excellent engraving it is - finer in every respect than the first I am pleased to say. Good as that was.' He rest of the letter discusses the number of proofs required. The first of the two accounts in Slocombe's hand, with signed acknowledgement of receipt by him, is dated 24 June 1899, on his letterhead, 3 Scarsdale Studios, Stratford Road, Kensington. 1p., 12mo. It reveals that £420 was paid for 'Painting a full length portrait of his Lordship in Peers Robes (oil colour) 93 1/2 by 57 1/2 inches', and £47 for 'Framing the above in best English gilt frame "of the Strafford Hall pattern" to my own design'. The second account, dated 6 November 1901 (1p., 8vo), gives itemised details regarding the production of the engraving, the total bill coming to £102 3s 6d. With (separately catalogued years ago) 2367. Earl of Ronaldshay. Autograph Notes Signed (x 4) and Typed Note Signed, to Shirley Slocombe, portrait-painter. [1907-1931]. Dundas, Lawrence John Lumley, later second Marquess of Zetland 1876-1961, public servant and author (on India, Middle East). Total 5 letters, total 8 pages, 8vo, good condition. (1907) He thanks him for a present, appreciates his congratulations on parliamentary seat ("I am indeed fortunate to have fallen upon so good a unionist seat at the present time.(1909) He thanks him for good wishes anticipating a difficult year for politicians.(1910) He congratulates Slocombe on his marriage. (1931)( Signed Zetland) He says his portrait (by Slocombe) is in good shape and requires no attention. He would like to see the portrait of Lord Burghley when he finishes it. WITH: autograph note third person, Lord and Lady Ronaldsay declining an invitation. AND: an invitation to the wedding of Ronaldshay's daughter (printed). Seven item.