1828

[Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister, as Home Secretary.] Autograph List of appointments by him of Lunacy Commissioners (following on from the 1828 Madhouse Act), with Autograph Note by him on the matter.

Author: 
Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850), Tory Prime Minister and creator of the Metropolitan Police ('Peelers') [Metropolitan Lunacy Commission; 1828 Madhouse Act]
Publication details: 
[Home Office, Whitehall; 1828.]
£2,000.00

In August 1828, following the passing of the 1828 Madhouse Act, the Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel established a commission to oversee London's madhouses, consisting of five physicians, six Middlesex JPs, and ten other honorary (i.e. unpaid) commissioners. The present document by Peel casts interesting light on the process of appointment. It is on both sides of 18 x 23 cm piece of paper, evidently used as envelope for 'the Instrument' mentioned in Peel's note. Aged, and with tear and hole caused by breaking open of seal. Folded twice.

[ Unmade British film noir based on the Burke and Hare murders, apparently intended as a vehicle for Sir Donald Wolfit. ] Typed screenplay of 'The Body Snatchers by John Lemont and Leigh Vance', 'Treatment by Bill Strutton'.

Author: 
John Lemont (1914-2003), Canadian director; Leigh Vance (1922-1994), producer; Bill Strutton (1918-2003), Australian screenwriter; Zodia Productions, London [Sir Donald Wolfit; Burke and Hare murders]
Publication details: 
'A Master Film Treatment for Zodiac Productions | Copyright: Zodiac Productions Ltd: 171, Shahftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.1.' Undated [ circa 1958 ].
£400.00

[1] + 62pp., folio. On rectos only. Bound with metal studs into yellow card covers, with the spine reinforced with cloth tape. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Loosely inserted is a five-page carbon typescript describing 'Approximate number of costumes necessary'. Also inserted is a typed page beginning with an 'Extract from letter from Sir Donald Wolfit: 8.7.58. | At the moment it looks like an opening date in the second half of September out of London for six or seven weeks first. Mr. Laurence Irving will be in touch with you in the near future for a preliminary discussion'.

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