Autograph Letters

[Martin Hardie, art historian and curator.] Two Typed Letters Signed to the artist and critic Eric Hesketh Hubbard, discussing the loan and delivery of drawings.

Author: 
Martin Hardie (1875-1952), art historian and Victoria and curator at the Albert Museum [Eric Hesketh Hubbard (1892-1957), artist and critic]
Publication details: 
First letter: on letterhead of Rodbourne, Tonbridge, Kent. 3 October 1943. Second letter: from Rodbourne. 10 October 1943.
£70.00

The two items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. ONE: 1p., 4to. Regarding the loan by him to Hubbard of drawings, and delivery options for them. TWO: 1p., 12mo. 'You vanished very suddenly after our Meeting and I did not have the chance of discussing arrangements with you. Will you please let me know what time it passes through Tonbridge on the following Monday.' He hopes to bring two more pictures 'straight to Albany from Charing Cross, arriving about mid-day? If you are not to be there I will take them to the Royal Academy and deliver them in the afternoon.'

[Niccolò Schiavonetti, printmaker.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Nichs. Schiavonetti') to 'Mr. Scott', sending '4 sorts of french paper', and giving instructions on how it is to be prepared.

Author: 
Niccolò Schiavonetti [Nicholas Schiavonetti] (c.1771-1813), printmaker, brother of Luigi Schiavonetti (1765-1810)
Publication details: 
Brompton; 15 April 1811.
£80.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper with damp stain along one edge. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Mr. Scott'. He is sending 'by Bearer 4 sorts of french paper, 2 sheets of each, which you will be so good as to see that it is properly prepared before it is used - The grand Eagle with the watermarks will require a great deal of brushing with a hard brush as I think that many of the specks will brush off they being chiefly superficial'.

[Major Herman Armour Webster, American engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed ('H. A. Webster') to 'Mr. Barry'.

Author: 
Major Herman Armour Webster (1878-1970), American etcher, draughtsman and lithographer
Publication details: 
Paris. 28 October [no year].
£40.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on lightly aged and creased paper. He apologises for the 'very short letter' and 'long delay in answering'. He reports that 'the rings came in your order but I have not had a chance to use them and will not have now until next Spring or Summer'. He is sending money as requested. 'My three plates of the trees came very nicely - one has just gone to the "Studio" so you may see it there later on.' He will write again when he has time for 'a rational note'.

[John Hassell, artist and engraver.] Autograph Note Signed ('J Hassell'), arranging to offer 'something interesting' to an unnamed employee of the London printseller 'Mr Boydell' [either John Boydell or his nephew Josiah Boydell].

Author: 
John Hassell (1767-1825), watercolour painter and engraver [John Boydell (1720-1804), artist and London printseller; his nephew Josiah Boydell (1752-1817)]
Publication details: 
'Thursday Morng [no date] | 11 Clements Inn'.
£50.00

1p., landscape 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-stained paper. The note reads: 'Dr Sir, | I shall do myself the pleasure of waiting upon you the beginning of the week, when I hope to have something interesting to shew you for Mr Boydell - believe me | Dr Sir | Yrs truly | J Hassell'.

[John Henry Robinson, engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Robinson') to an unnamed male recipient, discussing his engraving of the Marchionness of Abercorn, and pointing out that the plate belongs to the printseller F. G. Moon.

Author: 
John Henry Robinson (c.1796-1871), engraver [Sir Francis Graham Moon (1796-1871), London printseller and publisher]
Publication details: 
20 Spring Street [London]. 23 February 1842.
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, with slight creasing and chipping at head. In answer to an enquiry, he states regarding 'the Portrait of the Marchioness of Abercorn' that 'though Mr Moon & I have not yet completed our arrangements I consider that the Plate is his property & not mine as you appear to have been informed'. He concludes by thanking him 'for the favorable opinion you are pleased to express both of the plate in question & the engraving'.

[Frederick William Fairholt, artist and antiquary.] Autograph Letter Signed ('F. W. Fairholt') to unnamed male recipient, reporting that he has done an engraving for him, and commenting adversely on the increasing 'taste for hard words'.

Author: 
Frederick William Fairholt (c.1813-1866), artist and antiquary
Publication details: 
11 Montpelier Square, Brompton. No date.
£45.00

2pp., 16mo. Bifolium. 21 lines of text. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. As Doubleday has not 'sent the last', he has 'done your 3rd Cut of "glorious Apollo" from the print alone endeavouring to give the antique style as faithfully as I could.' He thanks him for his 'bit about the "archaic" term', and is certain 'that that [last word underlined] - like many other derivations from Greek & Latin roots, are most frequently used improperly[. T]he taste for hard words is certainly on the increase among all classes - from the advertising tailor upwards.'

Frank Short] Autograph Letter Signed ('Frank Short') to the curator Sydney Pavière, regarding prints which he is sending him.

Author: 
Frank Short (1851-1935), artist [Sydney Pavière (1891-1971), curator]
Publication details: 
56 Brook Green, W6 [London]. 8 December 1926.
£56.00

1p., landscape 12mo. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. The first paragraph reads: 'Dear Mr Pavière, | I will look carefully at the prints you send in (as, indeed, & of course, at all of them), and hope you may be successful at the election. The whole of the members will this year, at last, express their opinon on the candidates work, but the final decision rests, as it must under the charter, with the Council.' In the second paragraph he expresses pleasure that 'you are interesting your gallery in prints'.

[James Williamson, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Glasgow.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Jas. Williamson') to his brother Alexander Williamson, Laird of Balgray, discussing financial matters and his son George's choice of career.

Author: 
James Williamson (d. 1795), Professor of Mathematics at the Universtiy of Glasgow, 1761-1795 [Alexander Williamson, Laird of Balgray (fl. 1802)]
Publication details: 
'College Glasgow'. 1 June 1792.
£90.00

2pp., foolscap 8vo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. The breaking of the seal has resulted in slight loss at the foot of the gutter, affecting two words of text. Verso of second leaf addressed, with two postmarks and red wax seal, to 'Alexander Williamson Esqr | Alisons Square | Edinburgh'.

[Francis Almeric Spencer, 1st Baron Churchill.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Churchill') to unnamed male recipient, regarding Mrs Hyde's 'severe affliction', the loss of her husband, Churchill's 'highly respected & esteemed' friend' [Rev. John Hyde?].

Author: 
Francis Almeric Spencer (1779-1845), 1st Baron Churchill of Whichwood [Wychwood], Whig aristocrat and politician, son of 4th Duke of Marlborough [John Hyde (1774-1838), curate of Witney, Oxfordshire]
Publication details: 
Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. 23 December 1838.
£56.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on brittle lightly-aged paper, with closed tears along crease lines unobtrusively repaired with archival tape. Having received the recipient's letter he wishes 'to express my regret that Mrs. Hyde should have considered it necessary to send me any apology on an occasion like the present'. He condoles 'in the melancholy event', of which he 'heard with great regret, and it has deprived me of a Friend whom I highly respected & esteemed'.

[Charles Daly, London bookseller.] Autograph Letter Signed to Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, complaining of a fraud practised on him by the Birmingham bookbinder Thomas Male, by 'representing himself as patronized by' Wiseman.

Author: 
Charles Daly, London bookseller (fl.1832-1855) [Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman (1802-1865), Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster; Thomas Male, bookbinder of Duke Street, Birmingham; Bickers & Darling]
Publication details: 
17 Greville Street, Hatton Garden, London. 2 March 1844.
£80.00

1p., 8vo. On bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper with a few small closed tears to edges. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with broken red wax seal, Penny Red stamp and postmarks, to: 'Revd. Dr. Wiseman, | St. Mary's College | Oscott | Nr. Birmingham'. 22 lines of text, closely and neatly written. Daly begins: 'I am sorry to trouble you by laying before you the Letters [not present] of a man of the name of Thomas Male - Bookseller & Bookbinder residing at St. Mary's, who has by representing himself as patronized by you got Credit from me to the Amount of £11 . 9 .

[Bank of England] Autograph Letter (Signature mainly lost through loss of text) from the Bank of England to the Bank of Scotland

Author: 
[Bank of England; provision of a Press]
Bank of England
Publication details: 
Bank of England: 28 August 1852
£200.00
Bank of England

Sent from the Bank of England on 28 August 1852. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In poor condition, with a section torn away from the foot of both leaves, with loss of text including the writer's signature. The letter begins: 'Dear Sir | When you receive this, your Press &c. will be well on its way to Edinburgh.

[William Upcott, antiquary and autograph collector.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Wm. Upcott') to the music publisher and collector of Napoleana John Davis Sainsbury, requesting the loan of plates to be engraved by Charles John Smith for Henry Colburn.

Author: 
William Upcott (1779-1845), antiquary and autograph collector [John Davis Sainsbury (b.c.1793), music publisher and Napoleonic collector; Charles John Smith, engraver; Henry Colborn, publisher]
Publication details: 
102 Upper Street, Islington. 18 February 1836.
£120.00

1p., 12mo. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed to 'J. Sainsbury Esq'. The letter reads: 'Dear Sir | My friend, Mr Charles Smith, is engaged by Mr. Colborn to engrave the portraits of Sir Hudson Lowe, Madame Bertrand and M.

[Valentine Green, Engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed ('V. Green') to an unnamed male recipient, regarding the removal of two paintings, including one by William Daniell.

Author: 
Valentine Green (1739-1813), English engraver and print publisher, Keeper of the British Institution, 1805-1813 [William Daniell (1769-1837), landscape and marine painter]
Publication details: 
British Gallery, Pall Mall [London]. 20 July 1807.
£120.00

1p., 4to. In good conditon, on aged paper. He begins: 'As both the pictures you bought are to be taken without the frames, I can't take upon me to displace them, without either you or the Artists were present, and more especially Mr. Daniell's, which is framed in a particular way.' Consequently he will keep the paintings, till either the recipient or artists take them away, 'and give me a proper discharge for them'. He ends with his hours of attendance.

[Thomas Brand Hollis, radical and dissenter.] Autograph inscription to the antiquary Charles Townley.

Author: 
Thomas Brand Hollis (c.1719-1804) of The Hyde, near Ingatestone, Essex, English radical and dissenter [Charles Townley (1737-1805), antiquary]
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£56.00

On a cut-down piece of 4 x 15 cm paper. Laid down on part of leaf from album. In fair condition, on aged paper. Reads 'Mr Townley. | with Mr Brand Hollis | compliments'.

[Sir Robert Smirke, architect.] Autograph Letter Signed ('R Smirke') to an unnamed lady [Mrs Price?] declaring his eagerness to be introduced to the woman he would marry, Laura Freston, with whom he is 'more than half enamoured'.

Author: 
Sir Robert Smirke (1780-1867), English architect, part of the Greek Revival movement [his wife, nee Laura Freston]
Publication details: 
Upper Fitzroy Street [London]. 3 September 1818.
£56.00

1p., 12mo. 16 lines of text. Good, lightly-aged and laid down on a piece of grey paper. The letter begins: 'Dear Madam | I feel quite young again at the idea of the pleasure you promise me, & can assure you, with great Truth, that I shall be happy to be introduced to the young Lady you mention, with whom I am already more than half enamoured: - report speaks so highly of her manifold attractions.' He has such confidence in 'Mr. Price's skill & care as a driver' that he would like accept her offer of a seat in his gig. He ends with his 'best Complimts. to Miss Freston'.

[Sir George Hayter, artist.] Autograph Receipt Signed ('George Hayter'), to Messrs Crace, for the loan 'of two spear axe pikes, and a body & helmet suit of armour'.

Author: 
Sir George Hayter (1792-1871), painter and engraver [Messrs Crace & Son, 14 Wigmore Street, London, interior designers]
Publication details: 
'33 Gloucester Place in the new Road [London]'. 25 April 1855.
£130.00

On one side of a piece of cm blue paper. Reads: 'April 25, 1855. | 33 Gloucester Place in the new Road | Received of Messrs Crace | The favour of loan of two spear axe pikes, and a body & helmet suit of armour, to be returned. | George Hayter | with Thanks & Compliments.'

[Shelagh Maitland, artist's model.] Autograph Letter Signed, offering her services to the Duchess of Kent, stating she has worked for Lord Plunkett, Cathleen Mann, Simon Elwes, Sir John Lavery, T. C. Dugdale, David Jagger. With risqué autograph poem.

Author: 
Shelagh Maitland, artist's model [Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent [Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark] (1906-1968); Cathleen Mann; Simon Elwes; Sir John Lavery; T. C. Dugdale; David Jagger]
Publication details: 
40 Queensborough Terrace, W8 [London]. 19 July 1938.
£80.00

Both items are in an envelope addressed to the Duchess at 3 Belgrave Square. The envelope and its contents are on aged and creased paper. LETTER: 2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Knowing that the Duchess is 'a well-known artist', she is offering her 'services as a model'. 'I was permanent model to the late Lord Plunket [sic] and have been painted by Cathleen Mann, Simon Elwes, Sir John Lavery, T. C. Dugdale, David Jagger and several other well-known painters.' She describes her appearance and asks to be granted an interview. POEM: 2pp., 12mo. In pencil. Unsigned, but clearly by Maitland.

[Richard Oastler, Tory radical.] Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed editor, regarding the proof of his 'sayings of last Monday'.

Author: 
Richard Oastler (1789-1861), Tory radical, abolitionist and campaigner for Poor Law reform
Publication details: 
'Mr. Tathams'. 27 March 1839.
£90.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. He has just 'received notice that the Mansfield meeting will be held on Thursday at 12 o'clock - & the Sutton meeting on Saturday at One O'clock.' He continues: 'If you intend to insert any of my sayings of last Monday, I should feel obliged by a sight of the proof, if consistent with your official regulations'.

[Prince Christian of Schleswig Holstein.] Autograph Lettter Signed to 'Mr Garth', with covering note to 'Teddy' from J. S. Talbot.

Author: 
Prince Christian of Schleswig Holstein (1831-1917), member of British royal family through his marriage to Queen Victoria's fifth child Princess Helena
Publication details: 
Cumberland Gate [London]. 9 May 1900. On garter letterhead.
£56.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-creased paper. The Prince's handwriting is none of the best, and even his signature is illegible. The letter reads: 'Dear Mr Garth | I am very sorry to hear of the

[Rev. Dr George Croly.] Autograph drafts of three passages from an anonymous article in Blackwood's Magazine entitled 'Russia', dealing with Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation as Emperor of the French. and his entry into and retreat from Moscow.

Author: 
Rev. Dr George Croly (1780-1860), Anglo-Irish clergyman and writer, editor of the Tory weekly The Constitution [Blackwood's Magazine, Edinburgh and London; Napoleon Bonaparte; Napoleonic Wars]
Publication details: 
Without date or place. [Published in Blackwood's Magazine (Edinburgh and London, April 1826).]
£220.00

3pp., 8vo. Bifolium. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. Unsigned, but certainly in Croly's hand. The first page is headed: '- for tho' the Old Law was established in the promises of temporal prosperity, yet the gospel is founded in temporal adversity'. The three extracts, fiercely critical of the French emperor, follow over a total of 61 lines, with a few minor emendations.

[Nicholas Maurus Hodgson.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Maurus Hodgson, Sec. Cap. Gen.'), on behalf of the 'First English Chapter of the English Benedictine Congregation', to Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, expressing praise and support.

Author: 
Nicholas Maurus Hodgson (1815-1862), English Benedictine monk [Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman (1802-1865), Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster]
Publication details: 
'J. M. B. | St Laurence's, Ampleforth'. 21 July 1854.
£180.00

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. Docketted by Wiseman on reverse of second leaf: 'Bened[icti]ne Chapter | 1854'.

[Mary Carmichael, composer and accompanist.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Miss Paget'

Author: 
Mary Carmichael [Mary Grant Carmichael] (c.1851-1935), composer and accompanist
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 172 Adelaide Road, NW [London]. 12 February 1892.
£45.00

3pp., 16mo. 25 lines of text. Bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with slight traces of mount adhering to the blank reverse of the second leaf. The letter begins: 'Dear Miss Paget | Miss Martin has just forwarded me your note so I will send you a few lines to-night. I am very pleased you are singing my song on the 27th., & will be pleased to go over the song with you before the concert.' She gives details of her movements over the next few days before concluding: 'I hope it will not trouble you much to come out here -.

[Marguerite-Louis-François Duport-Dutertre, the first French Minister of Justice.] Autograph Letter Signed ('DuPont-Duterte'), in French, to his 'Chers Collègues' Messrs Plaisant and Celerier, asking them to give shirts to a 'pauvre jeune homme'.

Author: 
Marguerite-Louis-François Duport-Dutertre (1754-1793), first French Minister of Justice [Jean-Baptiste-Edme Plaisant, Administrateur de Travaux Publique dans la municipalité de Paris; M. Celerier]
Publication details: 
[Paris.] 23 February 1790.
£180.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with Dupont-Duterte's red wax seal broken in two, to 'Monsieur Celerier Lieutenant de

[Malcolm Osborne, painter.] Two Autograph Letters Signed to Westley Manning, in the first describing his wartime enlistment in the Artists Rifles, and training under the artist William Lee-Hankey.

Author: 
Malcolm Osborne (1880-1963), English landscape painter [William Westley Manning (1868-1954), artist; The Artists Rifles, British Territorial Army; William Lee-Hankey (1869-1952), artist]
Publication details: 
The first from 11 Edith Grove, Chelsea. 24 July 1915. The second from 15 Redcliffe Square, South Kensington. 25 July 1921.
£80.00

Both letters in very good condition, neatly written out on lightly-aged paper. ONE: 2pp., 4to.

[Major Douglas Thomson, Commissioner of Port Sudan.] Five Autograph Letters Signed (two each 'Douglas Thomson' and 'Douglas') one to Gladys and four to his sister, including three written from the Sudan and one from Abyssinia.

Author: 
Major Douglas Thomson, Commissioner of Port Sudan, 1926-1932; appointed as Settlement Officer for Assyrians by the Iraqi government, 1933
Publication details: 
One: Minton, Essex. 18 July 1909. Two: Blue Nile, Lake Tana, Abyssinia. 4 March 1916. Three: Roseires [Sudan]. 31 May 1917. Four: on letterhead of Roseires, Sennar Province, Sudan. 19 November 1917. Five: Simkat [Sudan]. 28 September 1920.
£220.00

The five items are in good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE: To Gladys. 2pp., 16mo. Bifolium. Giving personal news. TWO: 2pp., 8vo. He describes matters at Lake Tana: 'At present we are stuck here while the Engineers do their part of the work. I had rather thought as had Pearson that he & I would have to do some travelling round to see various people & give them their presents but the A[byssinian]'s are very suspicious towards us like anything, & they dont want us to separate at all.

[John Brough Taylor, antiquary and editor.] Autograph Letter Signed (John Taylor Jr') to the Durham antiquary Robert Surtees

Author: 
John Taylor [John Brough Taylor] (d.1824), antiquary and editor [Robert Surtees (1779-1834), antiquary and historian of his native Durham]
Publication details: 
10 Birchin Lane, London; 21 January 1822.
£120.00

4pp., 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-creased paper. Addressed, with postmarks and red wax seal, on reverse of first leaf 'To | Rob. Surtees, Esq | Mainsforth | Rushyford | Durham.' A long letter, closely and neatly written, and filled with genealogical information.

[John Raphael Smith, mezzotint engraver and publisher.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. R. Smith') to the architectural writer James Elmes, informing him of the progress of a work and that he is sending two proof plates. Carrying 3 signed notes by Elmes

Author: 
John Raphael Smith (bap. 1751, d. 1812), mezzotint engraver and print publisher [James Elmes (1782-1862), writer on architecture]
Publication details: 
'Newman Street. 33. [London]'. 17 June 1811.
£120.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'James Elmes Esqre.' At the head of the letter Elmes has written: 'From J. Raphael Smith the celebrated mezzotinto Engraver | J Elmes', and down the bottom right-hand corner: 'From J. Raphael Smith, Painter in Crayons & Mezzotinto Engraver to Mr Elmes, with 2 proof prints | J. E'. At the foot of the page Elmes has identified 'Mr. Tooke' in the letter as 'Horne Tooke J.E.' Smith writes: 'Sir | I have sent you an impression of Sr.

[John Inglis, Lord Glencorse.] Autograph Letter Signed to him from his 'affectionate Cousin | J Taylor'.

Author: 
John Inglis, Lord Glencorse (1810-1891), Scottish judge and Conservative politician [Taylor of Tibbermore, near Perth, Scotland; Balliol College, Oxford]
Publication details: 
Tibbermore [near Perth, Scotland]. 16 December [1830].
£38.00

4pp., 4to. Bifolium, with the last page of text cross-written over the first, and the valediction and signature cross-written over the second. In fair condition, on aged paper, with short closed tears along crease lines of the second page. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with red wax seal and postmarks, to 'John Inglis Esq | Balliol College | Oxford', and redirected to 'Loganbank'.

[John Burnet, painter, engraver and writer on art.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Jno: Burnet') to the editor of the Literary Gazette William Jerdan, regarding a loan of a document made by a 'friend of Vandyk [Vandyke]'.

Author: 
John Burnet (1784-1868), painter, engraver and writer on art [William Jerdan (1782-1869), editor of the Literary Gazette]
Publication details: 
30 Cadogan Place [Sloane Street, London].] 'Tuesday' (no date).
£80.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, on aged paper, with wafer. Addressed on reverse to 'William Jerdan Esqr. | Brompton'. The letter reads: 'My dear Sir, | A particular friend of Vandyk [sic] has hastily drawn up the enclosed. you have made what use of them you require, perhaps our friend Watts would like to see them.'

[James Williamson, Professor of Mathematics, Glasgow University.] Manuscript bond for £225 to 'William Ewart in Middlegill', signed by him and James Kirkpatrick, George Kirkpatrick and Alexander Williamson

Author: 
James Williamson (d. 1795), Professor of Mathematics at the Universtiy of Glasgow, 1761-1795
Publication details: 
'At Closeburn Castle'. 18 September 1769.
£60.00

1p., large quarto. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. With two embossed stamps ('VI PENCE' and 'I SHILLING ADDITIONAL DUTY') and ink stamp ('Nine Pence Quire') on reverse. Folded into the customary packet and docketted: 'Bond £225 | Messrs. James & George Kirkpatricks, James and Alexr. Williamsons | To Mr. William Ewart | 1769'. The document begins: 'We Mr. James Kirkpatrick Advocate George Kirkpatrick one of hte deputy Clerks of Session, Doctor James Williamson Professor of Mathematicks in the University of Glasgow and Alexr. Williamson Secretary to the Rt. Honble.

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