William Upcott correspondence, 1763-1845, bulk 1817-1845

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Upcott, William, 1779-1845
Abstract:
Papers belonging to William Upcott, English antiquary, autograph collector, and dealer.
Extent:
16.5 Linear Feet (11 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. William Upcott correspondence, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains correspondence relating to Upcott's collections of books, manuscripts, and prints. Much of the correspondence is between Upcott and various collectors with whom he engaged in business. Issues addressed within the correspondence include the life and work of William Upcott and 19th century bookselling and collecting practices. Correspondents include Charles Dickens, Sir William Fitzroy, Josiah Forshall, William Henry Hyett, Sir Thomas Phillipps, George Palmer Putnam, Markham E. Sherwill, Charles Hampden Turner and Dawson Turner.

Biographical / historical:

William Upcott (1779-1845) was an English antiquary, autograph collector, and dealer. He was employed by several London bookshops and spent the period from 1806 to 1834 as a sub-librarian of the London Institution. Beyond collecting and selling manuscripts and prints, Upcott wrote texts of his own, including A bibliographical account of the principal works relating to English topography. After Upcott's death his collections were sold at auction; the British Library purchased the majority of his manuscripts.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Zeitlin VerBrugge, 1951.
Processing information:

Processed by Huntington Library staff. In 2022, Brooke M. Black created a finding aid.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. William Upcott correspondence, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191