Art and Architecture

Publisher, philanthropist and author (1798-1886). Two pages, 8vo, bifoliate, good condition. "Dear Mr. Tupper,/ I hope to send you a proof tomorrow./ I am afraid we shall have to throw Foley over altogether, as we shall probably begin a new series next year in place of the "English Artists"./ I almost think we are full for the next three numbers, but if there should be space for the short articles you mention [page 2] I will let you know . . ."

Journalist and miniature painter (1776-1842).

Ecclesiastical architect. Signed 'Giles Gilbert Scott' beneath typewritten 'Yours sincerely,'. Neatly stuck beneath this is 'Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, R.A.' printed in copperplate (from the letterhead?). The fragment is about one inch by two and a half inches. Docketed in pencil 1935.

Long and unusually entertaining account 'Re Varnish', addressed to an American correspondent. A fascinating insight into the nature of Victorian entrepreneurship. 'It has long been an idea of mine that of all the Trades the most profitable one is Varnish [...] the Germans, clever as they are, can't make Varnish at all [...] nor for that matter can the Americans'.

English politician. 'Are not the editors of the Sporting & Dramatic News going to make any use of your drawings? & if not, would there be any possibility of your being able to let my sister have the pencil sketch you made of her? She would value it very much. | We have been hard at work acting here, & all went off very well.'

Sister of the M.P. Francis Bingham Mildmay. 'I am afraid we shall not be able to avail ourselves of your most kind invitation to view your portraits as we leave town for good on Friday. I shall hope to see your Portrait of Lady Milton, later on.' In a letter of 9 January 1898 F. B. Mildmay refers to Slocombe's 'most kind invitation to view your portraits'.

She 'cannot apologise enough for having left his letter of May 29th so long unanswered'. It was supposed to be answered 'on her return from Italy' but was mislaid. She hopes Slocombe will 'forgive the unintentional rudeness'.

Director and Principal Librarian of the British Museum (DNB). The first on dusty discoloured paper with closed tears to edges. Thanks Slocombe for having 'thought of me' and apologises for writing in pencil. Has been 'knocked over by a rather severe attack from which I am only slowly recovering'. The second and third letters are both replies to the Slocombes for seasonal expressions of goodwill and both are docketed in pencil by Slocombe. Three items,

Poet and auctioneer (d.1844). Four pages, 4to, with many changes in his hand, especially on first page (draft?), good condition. He argues that the poem he is sending Lough, "Social Day" [which he published in 1823] contains no rhymes about Lough's sculptures because he couldn't do them justice. He adds more (and more!) compliment, referring to specific works (Samson, David,Mazeppa, etc.), waxing poetical. He wishes him health "to pursue [his] exertions" and remain an ornament to his country.

On two letterheads of the West African Writers and Artists Club, 129 Camberwell Rd. Major Shepheard has suggested that correspondent might supply contacts for the Club. Describes the Club's activities and lists the names of thirteen Gold Coast students from a recent British Council exhibition, whose addresses she asks for, along with the names of others from Nigeria. Two items,

Potter. Good condition, text as follows: "Dear Roger Thornton, / I hope the enclosed will suffice. Thank you for all the nice things you say in your letter. I will try to go on a little longer making pots as well as I know how if they really give pleasure."

2 pp, 12mo. "Dear Fairholt / I could not get down to you last evening, tho' I tried very much - / I will correct any circulars you may be good enough to write for Hone and get it printed and sent out can you furnish a list of archaeological assns. members & institute & the address of the F.S.A.'s - I am without the present lists of either [...] Hone is dreadfully hard up and every day is of much value to him in this affair - / Faithfully yours / Josh Durham" A strip has been torn along one of the margins very close to the text, causing negligible loss to it.

Antiquary (1805-1874). 2pp. ea., 8vo, damp-staining and other marksbut text still legible. He is returning some “cuts” lent by the Sussex Society and enclosing “eight blocks for the Catalogue of the Chichester Museum”. He wants his correspondent to follow up on a “cut”. In another letter, he makes suggestions for the improvement of a “proof of the Ark” and requests a book. In the other letter, he says that he is sending “the continuation ofChichester Catalogue” and someone else will send “the greater part of thewoodcut blocks”. He asks for a “cut” to be sent to the printer. 3 items,

Artist (1770-1844). 2pp., 8vo, good. “Clifford Holroyd” has asked him to put his case “before the Directors of The Artists G.B.[General Benevolent] Fund” at Cooper’s instigation. He requests information about Holroyd, and concludes by saying how useful this example proves the Fund.

Painter. 4 ALSs, 2-3pp., 8vo, good. He asks for payment for a picture so that he can pay rent arrears, reports of his progress with his pictures, “the two Dartmoor streams”. He later talks of other pictures in which Roberrts has an interest (“Mermaid”, “Kennack Bay”, “Cadgwith [Cove]” and others) and his constant need for money. 4 items,

Painter. He accepts an invitation to lunch.

Architect (1814-1895). 1 and 2pp., 8vo, good, discussing Murray’s specifications for the St Bride’s Foundation which, initially, he has to study. He eventually decides that, subject to minor changes, he will be able to recommend them. Christian was the architect for the National Portrait Gallery and architectto the Ecclesiastical Commission.2 items,

Collector (1760-1830). One page, 8vo, good, giving himpermission to view his pictures.

British Museum ceramics expert. One page, 8vo, good. He passes comment on a blue and a yellow pot, dating them, and giving the countries of origin of the yellow pot.

Painter (1842-1921). 2 ANSs, 8vo, good. In the first letter, he says that he has rested and feels able to continue with the sittings. In the second, he asks if he can exhibit her portrait at the “Grosvenor”. 2 items,

Cartoonist. Four pages, 8vo, good condition. He is enthusiastic about the idea of a "Press visit to Devon" but thinks that the sort of journalist he calls the "boozy bounder" should not go. He names people who would help, including aristocrats and literary figures.

Two pages, 4to, good condition. Ref. "Stourport", Powell is sending the "sketch" of a window (enclosed), giving subjects and making suggestions ("I thought the Ark would come well"). He has worked less bcecause of the light on this than on the "war memorial". He discusses the list of "angel subjects for your side aisle windows" (present as a third typed page), apart from themes which should have a window ti themselves. He favours fewer subjects, confirms that the Old Testament goes on the North aisle, New of the South.

Cartoonist (1844-1925). Two pages, 8vo, fold marks but text good and clear. "My dear Jim,/ Broken out in a new place, have you? Well, I'll see what I can do to help. Just at present I am entirely out of my book plate, and as the block has been damaged I shall have either to get a new one made or design a new one. I hope to do this soon and will send you samples. I may have some other Ex Libris amongst my papers and if I come across any I will send them on to you./ Grace has come back from Porlock . . .". He concludes on health matters.

(1861-1945). "First Cartoonist" for Punch (1909-1945). "In reply to your enquiry I am afraid I cannot furnish you with any names of artists wanting ideas for humorous drawings. The only thing would be to apply to any artists who do such work & take your chance."

Traveller, antiquary, writer on architecture (1786-1846). One page, 8vo with added page of verse, nick not affecting text, good. He responds to a request by sending an impression of a seal [not present] "which bears the armorial ensigns of the two families which I represent" - which he expands on.

Artist and Poet (1845-1915). Two Autograph Letters Signed, 2 pages and one page respectively, 4to, staining and damage especially to 1910 letter, but texts clear. (1904) Crane outlines his understanding of "the terms under which 'The Golden Primer' was produced" based on his co-author's (Meiklejohn) letters - three fifths of the proceeds. He quotes relevant detail from two letters,on of which discusses a cheap edition for schools. "I find a dummy copy of this with a cover design of mine & Blackwood's imprint". He thinks a re-issue in the "original form" a good idea.

Sculptor (1847-1922). 3 pp, 12mo, on mourning paper. "I have just returned from a short stay in the Country and find your letter of the 29th ult With regard to the proposed Statuette in silver I need scarcely say I shall have much pleasure in assisting you in any way I can. / Your letter however leaves me a little in the dark. Do you wihs me to recommend some young Sculptor for the task or would you like me to undertake it?" Signed "Thos Brock".

Art dealer and Member of Parliament ((1825-1910). He is writing to her because hers is the first name on a list of "ladies" who have signed a petition "in favour of the extension of the suffrage to women householders". He has presented the petition with which he sympathises.

Irish Painter, poet, dramatist and novelist (1770-1850). He gives his correspondent the address of a "Mr Herbert" who was, according to the Post Office Directory of 1846, a professor and publisher of music.

Painter, President of the Royal Academy (1836-1919). Four pages, 8vo. As follows: " I never thanked you for your postcard & its information which adds greatly to the interest of the drawing. " is puzzling certainly, but so unlike "canonico" that I can hardly think it can have been an error in the transcript of that word. I have not yet discovered the other two sketches I possess . . .