Author:
Rev. Charles Harris Alured Barling (1807-1880) of Brook Lodge, Norfolk [Clarke Stoughton of Bawdeswell; Christie's auctioneers, King Street, London, founded by James Christie (1730-1803)]
Publication details:
Letter: Brooke, Norfolk. 8 April [no year]. List of pictures with reference to a letter of 25 April 1868.
Letter: 6pp., 12mo, on bifolium and single leaf. An vivid and entertaining letter, shedding light on Victorian valuation and auctioneering practices. Barling wastes no time in passing on the bad news. 'I am very glad you have written to me about the B[awdeswe]ll. pictures & I can tell you [last world underlined] plainly what the 2 Christie's opinion was which I cd. not do to poor old C[larke]. S[toughto]n. The inspection in issue was a grievous disappointment. So far worse than I cd. have possibly believed, and then coming the question cd. two such Men as the Christies be wrong?
