SLOCOMBE

1p., 12mo. In good condition. In stamped envelope addressed by Dicksee to 'Shirley Slocombe Esq. | 27 Warwick Gardens | Kensington | W.14'. He apologises for his late reply to Slocombe's 'kind congratulations', explaining that he is 'faced by over 500 letters all needing answers'. Dicksee was knighted the following year.

The four letters all in good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE: 22 July 1902. 2pp., 12mo. Rearranging a meeting, following his absence 'at my cottage in Norfolk'. TWO: 6 August 1902. 3pp., 12mo. Regarding a drawing titled 'The little Chest', which 'Mr Macquarie' would like Slocombe to being at once. With postscript signed 'S. L.' THREE: 4 June 1904. 2pp., 12mo. He was 'on the point of writing', to ask when he could 'buy those delectable pipes', when Slocombe's 'most acceptable present' arrived. He ends by asking to be reminded to send him a 'soiree ticket'. FOUR: 1p., 12mo.

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.

8vo, 1 p, 14 lines. On lightly aged paper, with 9 cm closed tear (affecting a few words, but not the signature) neatly repaired on reverse with archival tape. A letter of condolence on the death of Mrs Slocombe's husband, 'after his long illness'. Salisbury is 'sure he must have had a very courageous spirit to the end - I remember it so well at the Academy Schools'. He suggests a firm that might be willing to buy 'the canvases etc you mention'. The letter links two artists who studied together at the Royal Academy Schools, and also establishes the date of Slocombe's death as 1906.

Three pages, on quarto leaf folded vertically to make narrow bifolium. Very good, with minor aging and creasing. Under each of the six years details are given of the date, amount and individual from whom the sum is received. Includes £18.15.0 from John Sampson of York for 'Signing 150 proofs Lord ', £28.0.0 of 'Ellis (Bookdealer of Bond St., for 4 old books)', £29.8.0 of Mr. Garnett-Orme, 'For picture of Auck Lodge', and £75.0.0 and 'Mr. Savill (for 9 Engravings by Bartolozzi)'. Other names include Lawrence & Bullen Ltd, Mr Partingdon (picture restorer), Captain Frank Forester, H. P.

English artist (1849-1923). Four pages, 12mo. Folded once. With mourning border. Good, if somewhat grubby and on discoloured paper. Difficult hand. He is very grateful for the 'kind thought in sending the pipes, they are beauties, and should last one a life time'. He also thanks Slocombe for his subscription 'to the Restoration of Blythburgh Chancel Porch'. He hopes he has enjoyed his 'work in Scotland'. 'I shall be only to [sic] proud to let you take Photographs of anything I have in my house - | Do you know that the Son of Charles Robinson F.S.A.

The firm, apparently antique dealers (although it also bought and sold false teeth), was established in 1833. All items are addressed to Slocombe, with whom the family (to whom he was perhaps related by marriage?) were clearly on intimate terms. Grubby, dusty, creased, dogeared and with several closed tears. The first six letters are from J. B. Fraser, the first four being on the letterhead of 'R. D. & J. B. FRASER, LIMITED.' ('ESTABLISHED IN THE REIGN OF WILLIAM IV.') Letter 1 (Ipswich, 4 Jan 1899, 4 pages, 8vo), from J. B. Fraser, concerns 'Edith', who is recovering from illness.