PANORAMA

See Parris's entry in the Oxford DNB. The subject of the letter is his work 'restoring' James Thornhill's paintings inside the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. Beginning in 1853 and ending three years later, Parris worked on scaffolding he had designed for the purpose thirty years before. His efforts were not well received: he was accused of completely repainting Thornhill's work, to its detriment. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and creased, with minor traces of mount adhering to the blank reverse. Folded twice.

Hand-coloured lithographic prints. Nine panels, each roughly 10 x 18cm, attached to make one accordion-folded strip. In fair condition, aged and worn, with three blank panels inserted in the strip to fill up gaps. Captions along the foot read: '12 Members of the Common Council in their Mazarine Gowns', 'The Sheriffs', 'Aldermens Carriages', 'The Queen's Household', 'Royal Footmen', 'Life Guards Police Officers'. The last panel shows the head of the procession arriving at the new building. The set of prints was sold by the publishers in a blue cloth folder, with title leaf.

28 illustrations: 3 of which depict Australian scenes (panoramas of North Head Quarantine Station; Farm Cove, Sydney; Hobart, Tasmania) with a cartoon/narrative of an excursion to Nurstead Woods, Kent. One item with date 'May 1893'. All twelve items on stationery of the Pacific Steam Navigation Co., including eight 'Soundings' forms, filled in 'For Chief Engineer', signed 'Alex Hattrick', and dated 25 March and 2, 7, 8, 11, 18, 24, 29 June [1893?] One item with date 'May 1893'. The twelve items in fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. Charmingly-executed in a naive style.