Finding aid for Letters of British dignitaries and professionals, 1756-1951

Box 1, Folder 1

Alison, William Pulteney (1790-1859, physician) 1849

Scope and Content Note

Complains to London publisher J. Hogarth about the engraver Henry Robinson who has not yet started working on the reproduction of his portrait painted by George Richmond. He would rather have his picture back, but the subscribers and Keith, the vendor, asked him to allow the engraver to do the work (Edinburgh, 1849 Mar. 8). 9 p.

Thanks Hogarth for informing him that the engraving is ready, and that he is preparing to send out some proofs. Reminds him that Mrs. Alison is on the list for the first "First proof" to be sent before Mr. Keith starts sending copies to the subscribers. She also wants it to be framed and sent in the same box with the original painting (Edinburgh, 1849 Apr.10). 4 p.

Writes [to Hogarth?] that the print "will be better without the dedication to the University of Edinburgh … which could be done without delay and cancelling some of the impressions"(1849 May 21). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 2

Bateson, William Henry (1812-1881, Vice Chancellor of St. John's College, Cambridge) 1859

Scope and Content Note

Sends the R.A. painter and author Richard Redgrave ten pounds fee for conducting the "examinations in drawing." Asks if the five volumes of Ralph Nicholson Wornum's work Epochs of painting would be appropriate for the senior candidates' examination (Cambridge, 1859 Feb. 17). 4 p.

Box 1, Folder 3

Bigge, Arthur John, Sir (1849-1931, Private secretary to Queen Victoria) 1885

Scope and Content Note

Writes to a colonel, on behalf of the Queen, asking him for a photograph in uniform for Her Majesty's "war cabinet." He mentions that they had met at a Durham club dinner "after the end of the Zulu War" (1885 Oct. 5). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 4

Binyon, Laurence (1869-1943, Keeper of the Prints and Drawings department, British Museum) 1912

Scope and Content Note

Answers a correspondent that he will pay him a visit in order to assess his collection of prints (1912 Oct. 9). 1 p. on British Museum letterhead.

Box 1, Folder 5

Burton, Frederic William, Sir (1816-1900, Director of the London National Gallery) 1879

Scope and Content Note

Explains to an unidentified correspondent that the National Gallery does not purchase drawings - the existing ones are gifts or bequests. He has allowed a large number of students to copy Turner drawings, but he now fears that this "will only multiply forgeries and increase mannerism" (1879 Feb. 16). 4. p. on Athenaeum club letterhead.

Box 1, Folder 6

Crowe, Joseph Archer, Sir (1825-1896, diplomat and journalist) 1888

Scope and Content Note

Informs Mrs. Bronson that he will not be able to enjoy her invitation. He must leave Venice "within the next few hours" because its climate "entirely disagreed" with his boy, who is very sick (1888 Sept. 24). 3.p. on letterhead of Grand Hôtel d'Italie, Venise.

Box 1, Folder 7

Cumin, Pat[rick] (Professor (?), Glasgow) 1784

Scope and Content Note

Writes to James Chalmer, a solicitor in London, that, at his request, he met with Messrs. Trowlis (?) and Tulloch (?), who assured him that their invention was original and "absolutely different from the Logography of Mr. [Henry] Johnson, and did not interfere with his patent" of 1870. Cumin explains the differences, concluding that "no person can justly prevent them from obtaining a Patent" (Glasgow, 1784 Mar. 3). 4 p.

Box 1, Folder 8

Cuming, Patrick (1695-1776, professor, theologian, author) 1756

Scope and Content Note

"The address of the Commission of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland," presented to the King by its moderator, Patrick Cuming, professor at the University of Edinburgh. It expresses the "just indignation at the triumphs of our enemies." The people of Scotland declare their confidence, ardent zeal and full loyalty to His Majesty (Edinburgh, 1756 Nov. 18). Newspaper clipping, 1756 Dec. 18.

Box 1, Folder 9

Davy, Humphrey, Sir (1778-1829, chemist) 18--

Scope and Content Note

Writes to Thomas Lawrence that "the Royal Society can not move in the award of the Kings medals till they are stamped by your genius. The 16 of Nov. is the day for the decision." He is going on a trip with Lady Davy, and will be back at the beginning of November (Oct. 4). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 10

Davy, Jane, Lady (1780-1855, socialite) 1814

Scope and Content Note

Writes to the poet Robert Pearse Gillies about his ailments and excessive sensitivity, "which is the foundation of all genius." She elaborates about melancholy, suggesting psychological, moral and physical ways to treat it. Confesses her "tender affection for a noble and adorable being," that she has "no reason to think it returned" (Pensance, 1814 July 30). 4 p.

Box 1, Folder 11

De Grey, Thomas Philip, Earl (1781-1859, Lord lieutenant of Ireland) 1842

Scope and Content Note

Writes to Martin [Shee] that Miss Kennedy wants to send a high relief in marble to the Royal Academy exhibition. It represents Donneybrook Fair, a national subject. He asks him to "say a word to the R.A. who manages the sculpture department" (Dublin Castle, 1842 May 28). 4 p.

Writes to the Earl of Mornington that he wants to make a collection of portraits of all the previous Lords lieutenants of Ireland since the Union, asking for his help to obtain duplicates or copies from their families. He would like to have the collection complete by next summer, when Her Majesty "should think fit to come over here" (Dublin, 1842 Oct. 28). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 12

Delamere, Hugh Cholmondeley, Lord (1811-1887, M.P.) 1865, 1869

Scope and Content Note

Writes to the cabinetmaker Sopwith that his sketch is exactly what he wanted, and asks him to make the monocleid as soon and as "nicely" as he can (1865 Jan. 3). 1 p.

Tells Sopwith that he wants the monocleid at the beginning of February, when he hopes to be established in London. Gives him the address where to send it ([1865] Jan. 9). 3 p. on emblazoned paper.

The Lord has moved to his new house, the monocleid has arrived and it is "in all respects as good as possible" ([1865] Feb. 20). 1 p.

Writes to an unidentified person that he will inform him about the Birches Hall exhibition as soon as he can (1869 Dec. 23). 1 p.

Box 1, Folder 13

Devonshire, Victor Christian William Cavendish, Duke of (1868-1938, civil servant) 1901

Scope and Content Note

Writes to Sir Richard Wilson(?) that he agrees with the Finance Committee's recommendation of a grant to Sir Herbert Jekyll, regarding some expenses presumably incurred during the preparations for the British Pavilion at the Paris Exhibition of 1900 (1901 Mar. 26). 3 p.

Box 1, Folder 14

Ellis, Henry, Sir (1777-1869, Principal librarian of the British Museum) 1825-1862

Scope and Content Note

Sends to Wedlake Brayley, at the Russell Institution, a printed thank you letter for his gift of a manuscript to the British Museum (1825 Nov. 16). 1 p.

Thanks Joshua Watson for sending "an introduction for young Robinson … one of the most estimable young men" (1833 Aug. 7). 2 p.

Thanks John Murray for Sir Layard's book [Monuments of Nineveh], and the inscription on the first volume's title page (1849 July 19). 1 p.

Sends to Mr. Dynham his compliments along with the card for the reading room (1851 Feb. 28). 1 p.

Informs an unidentified donor that his letter and the book have arrived, but his wishes differ so entirely from the ordinary practice, that he has to wait till the Trustee's meeting and their decision (1851 June 7). 2 p.

Writes to Edward Magrath that he found among the papers he took from the Athenaeum a "proposal for educational suffrage," which he thinks he must have taken away by mistake and wants to return it (1854 July 26). 2 p.

Sends to Rev. William Brodie condolences on the death of his father, who has also been one of his oldest friends (1862 Oct. 24). 3 p.

Box 1, Folder 15

Flower, Edgar (d. 1903, chairman of Shakespeare Birthplace Trustees) 1877, 1901-1902

Scope and Content Note

Writes to J. C. Parkinson, who will not come for the festivity on the 23rd, that they hope to have "an interesting gallery … and many eminent men of stage and letters." Parkinson may come later to visit "on the occasion of laying the foundation stone" (1877 Apr. 7). 4 p.

Answers to Frank Richards' desire to have his "grand picture of Hamlet placed in the Gallery of the Shakespeare Memorial." The trustees may choose to receive it on loan or as a gift. Subscriptions are also possible, and the Memorial Association would bear the expense of its transportation to Stratford (1901 June 1). 3 p.

Informs Richards that the governors of the Shakespeare Memorial will accept the painting of Hamlet if it is presented to the Memorial of Stratford-on- Avon. As he is going to London, he will see Richards at his convenience, which "may save trouble in correspondence" (1901 May 13). 3 p.

Asks Richards to choose the day and time when he could meet him (London, 1901 May 16). 1 p.

Informs Richards that "a little water color of you would be of great interest." They will also be pleased to have the "Hamlet" at Stratford for as long as it is convenient to him (1902 Mar. 12). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 16

Forbes-Robertson, Johnston, Sir (1853-1937, actor and artist) 1872

Scope and Content Note

Thanks Miss Kortright for speaking of him to S.C. Hall so nicely. He would be "delighted to work under him." Informs her that Brown's large picture representing "Chaucer reading his poetry to Edouard III" is now in the artist's house, and he would gladly take her friend to see it (1872 Sept. 14). 2 p. on letterhead of Art pictorial and industrial review [where his father was the editor].

Box 1, Folder 17

Gilmour, Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet (1857-1939) 1913

Scope and Content Note

Thanks an unidentified person for the letter and the sketch of Craigmillar castle (Liberton, Midlothian, 1913 Oct. 23). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 18

Gregory, William Henry, Sir (1817-1829, MP, trustee of the National Gallery) 1866, 1879, 1888, undated

Scope and Content Note

Asks an unidentified person to forward his mother's letter to Mr. Priestly (?) (1866 Aug. 5). 1 p.

Writes to Sir Frederic W. Burton, Director of the National Gallery, a letter packed with information. He thinks that Burton has no more reason to come to Paris since the Duc d'Aumale has purchased Frédéric Reiset's pictures "en bloc." He will return to London by Venice, to see Layard before he departs, then will be ready to do his duty at the board of trustees. Morris Moore is in Paris, "still raging against the Nat. Gal., telling the world that our Pisani Paul Veronese is but a notorious copy." Burton should see an "early Florentine Annunciation of considerable size," that looks like Gentile Fabriano. He warns him that "a law is to be introduced imposing a duty of 25% on objects of art leaving Italy," so it would be advisable "to secure without loss of time the pictures you deem worthy of the Gallery" (Hôtel de Rome, [Paris 1879], Apr. 13). 3 p.

Returns to Mr. Story his two volumes of poetry, whose "introduction is admirable and the description of Italian scenery quite beautiful." He adds short comments on his favorite poems (1888, Feb. 1). 3 p.

Informs Parkinson, his "traveling Pal," that he has quoted in his intended speech "at considerable length" from his book (n.d.). 2 p. on paper with blind stamp of the House of Commons.

Box 1, Folder 19

Hancock, John (1808-1890, taxidermist) 1851

Scope and Content Note

Reports to unidentified person on the interior work still being done in the section of the building where Hancock's taxidermic specimens will soon be exhibited on "tables covered with crimson cloth." The undated letter is presumably related to the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, which included important works of British taxidermists. (Walton on Thames, [1851, Apr.]). 4 p.

Box 1, Folder 20

Holland, Henry Richard Vassall, Baron (1773-1840?) undated

Scope and Content Note

Thanks the President and the Council of the Royal Academy for their "flattering invitation," which he "gratefully accepts." He asks the President's "obliging permission to send his rolling chair as he did last year" (undated). 1 p.

Box 1, Folder 21

Holmes, Charles John (1868-1936, painter, art historian, Director of the National Gallery) 1918

Scope and Content Note

Informs [Edward Marsh] about a private viewing of the new pictures at the Gallery (1918. Dec. 2(?)), 1 p. on National Gallery letterhead

Box 1, Folder 22

Kinloch, John, G. (scholar of Meigle sculptured stones) 1881

Scope and Content Note

Informs Mr. Leng that making "fresh drawings" of the Meigle sculptured stones would be most costly, while they have all been engraved in previous works, like John Stuart's Sculptured stones of Scotland, Chalmer's book, and the Pennants Tour. He gives detailed bibliographic information for all the items Leng may want, and also sends him two drawings. Hopefully this unique collection of Pictish stones will be placed in the building donated by Sir George, which cost him some 6000 Lire, and thus it will be conserved and accessible to the public. An article written by Mr. Leng would do "a lot of good" (Meigle House, 1881 Feb. 1). 7 p.

Box 1, Folder 23

Lennard, George Barrett(?) (1796-1870, descendent of Sir Thomas Barret Lennard, 1st baronet of Belhus) 1853

Scope and Content Note

G. B. Lennard writes to the landscape painter Henry Lewes asking for information about the time and circumstances in which he had painted their residence in Belhus, Essex. He has lately found out about that excellent work, and wondered why it has not come into the possession of Sir Thomas Lennard, "the possessor of the place," and why the family had no knowledge about this "very fine work of art" (Liverpool, 1853 Oct. 24). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 24

Lindsay, Coutts, Sir (1824-1913, amateur artist, owner of the Grosvenor Gallery London) undated

Scope and Content Note

Invites Mr. and Mrs. Guilter to visit the Grosvenor Gallery that afternoon. The Prince and Princess of Wales intend to come at 3 p.m. (undated). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 25

Long, Charles, Baron Farnborough (1761-1838, politician, fellow of Royal Society, trustee of the British Museum, the National Gallery, etc.) 1828

Scope and Content Note

Writes to [Martin Archer See] that he will be back on time to insert any "respectable artists" in his list of candidates in "the Book," as required in order to be eligible. He adds that the Exhibition of Sir Thomas Lawrence "succeeds as I hoped and fully expected" (Whitehall Garden, [1828] May 29). 3 p. Watermark: J. Whatman Turkey Mill 1828.

Box 1, Folder 26

MacColl, Dugald Sutherland (1859-1948, artist, critic, keeper of the Tate Gallery) 1906

Scope and Content Note

Thanks Cockerell for the "expression of good will." His wife hopes they will rent a house at the Criqueboeuf for the summer. Asks his friend the date of the [Lawrence] Hodson sale, and whether Frank Potter is among the pictures, which could be interesting for the [Tate] Gallery (1906, June 18). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 27

Mackintosh, James, Sir (1765-1832, politician, law professor, author) 1816

Scope and Content Note

Sends Abderman Atkins the letter of recommendation for his former groom/ coachman he had asked for (Weedon Lodge, 1816 Jan. 10). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 28

Meyrick, Samuel Rush, Sir (1783-1848, antiquarian, collector, author) 1822

Scope and Content Note

Thanks the solicitor William Edwards in Derby for the drawing of a coffer with military subject, asking him to send sketches of any old furniture. He has acquired a carved frame from the period of Charles. He is trying to acquire an old castle in Pembrokeshire and make it his summer residence with the help of the architect Blore, but there are many delays (1822 Sept. 21). 3 p.

Box 1, Folder 29

Minton, Herbert (1793-1858, pottery & porcelain manufacturer) undated

Scope and Content Note

Writes to a friend that he has received a notice from the Society of the Art Union about a meeting in which "the introduction of iron and terra cotta articles, copies of those in the British Museum, will be proposed." Asks the friend to accompany him at the museum to discuss the subject. Minton hopes to be accompanied by a lady friend, whom he will introduce as "the intended Mrs. H.M." (Stoke-on-Trent, undated). 4 p.

Box 1, Folder 30

Norfolk, Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of (1847-1917) 1891

Scope and Content Note

Thanks Mr. Powell for the interesting notes on glass and his letter. The Duke expects him to come to the Arundel castle, where he has a room. He wants to dedicate the South chapel to his wife, and indicates several female names from her family, presumably for new stained glass in the chapel (1891 May 23). 4 p.

Box 1, Folder 31

Poole, Reginald Stuart (1832-1895, archaeologist, numismatist, keeper of coins and medals in the British Museum) 1850

Scope and Content Note

Sends a lady the interpretation of the inscriptions on the seal she had sent him (1850 Nov. 2). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 32

Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939, artist) undated

Scope and Content Note

Asks Mr. Bell to inform Professor Heinrich Angeli that his portrait of the Duke of Argyll was rejected by the Royal Academy. She has written to Sir Coutts Lindsay, asking him "to try and get it into the Grosvenor Gallery" (undated). 3 p.

Box 1, Folder 33

Ripon, George Frederick Samuel Robinson, Marques of (1827-1909, statesman, art patron) 1873

Scope and Content Note

Answers Miss Louise Rayner's letter that he shall be very pleased if his official engagements will allow him to visit Mr. Graves Gallery in Pall Mall, and see "the water colour drawing of St. Geroge's chapel Windsor (1873 May 21). 2 p., on paper with embossed seal of Privy Council Office.

Box 1, Folder 34

Rothenstein, John, Sir (1901-1992, art historian, Director of Tate Gallery) 1951

Scope and Content Note

Thanks Mr. George for sending him "the Gwen John recollections, which will be invaluable." He will treat his letter as "an official application to reproduce the Self portrait" (Paris, 1951 Jan. 21). 2 p. on letterhead of Hotel Ritz.

Box 1, Folder 35

Scarlett, James, Baron Abinger (1769-1844, MP, politician) 1836

Scope and Content Note

Declines an invitation because he has promised to dine at the Attorney General's place (1836 Apr. 14). 1 p. in French.

Box 1, Folder 36

Scott, D.? 1798

Scope and Content Note

Answers the letters of a friend. "The subjects of Buonaparte … Egypt, etc., was looked into about two months ago and investigated most deeply in every point of view, and I don't think there was a single suggestion in your letters which were not then suggested at Wimbledon" (1798 Aug. 9). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 37

Seymour, H. Francis (1812-1884, 5th Marques of Hertford) 1852

Scope and Content Note

Informs Hogarth that he has decided to have the portrait of his father, Sir George Seymour, engraved in steel, in 100 copies, all expenses covered, as stated in his proposal. He asks him to "procure subscriptions both at Halifax and in the West Indies," since his father is now Commander in Chief of North American Station" (Holly Grove, Windsor, 1852 Jan. 18). 2 p.

Box 1, Folder 38

Shelley, Florence Percy, Sir (1819-1889) 1867

Scope and Content Note

Offers the editor of the Examiner a lithograph made after the portrait of his father, Percy Bysshe Shelley [who wrote articles for that journal], painted by Amelia Curran in Rome in 1819. He adds that "it is the only authentic portrait in existence (Boscombe, Ringwood, Hants, 1867, Apr. 8). 1 p.

Box 1, Folder 39

Stanley, Dorothy, Lady (1855-1926, painter, wife of explorer H.M. Stanley) 1829

Scope and Content Note

Informs Lady [Elizabeth] Eastlake that she is too busy to make another drawing for Children's Holiday Fund. Her husband, H. M. Stanley, expects to stand for Parliament as a Liberal Unionist candidate, and she will be out of London "electioneering" with him (1829 June 7). 4 p. Blind stamp with escutcheon and address: 2 Richmond Terrace Whitehall, S. W.

Box 1, Folder 40

Story-Maskelyne, Anthony (1861-1938, exchequer and heraldry specialist) 1900

Scope and Content Note

Returns to Mrs. Simeon the sketch of a quarterly shield which he explains in heraldic terms, and identifies it as belonging to Leonard Childers and his wife Sarah Anne, Daughter of Sir Charles Kent (Chelsea Gardens, 1900 Mar. 23). 4 p.

Box 1, Folder 41

Story-Maskelyne, Nevil (1823-1911, Keeper of minerals, British Museum) 1870

Scope and Content Note

Asks an unidentified person for a "good specimen of the Clifton Celestine form" (British Museum, 1870 Jan 28). 1 p.

Box 1, Folder 42

Wilson, Robert Thomas, Sir (1777-1849, general, statesman and author) 1825-1826

Scope and Content Note

Sends to unidentified correspondent the promised "documentary extracts" about his father, the painter and etcher Benjamin Wilson. He intends to correct the "inaccuracies" found in a recent publication of Mr. Hattin(?) undated with faded pencil inscription on first page: Received 24 Sept. 1825. 6 p.

Informs a correspondent that he has no objection to anything he wants to publish "to correct Mr. Hattin's(?) inaccuracies" using the information in his previous letter. He will soon go to Newcastle [upon Tyne], and will pay him a visit to see Hattin's statement (1825 Oct. 7). 3 p. An unrelated envelope postmarked 1826 is pasted on the blank page.

Sends to J.H. Gilchrist at Newcastle upon Tyne "some extracts to answer the points" regarding his father, the Royal Society, [Benjamin] Franklin and others, stating that he holds "in utter contempt all misrepresentations or calumnies." He leaves to the recipient's judgment the way he will use the extracts, which will be sent in a copy, because of his "very illegible handwriting." After date and signature, Wilson filled the 4th page with information about his father's "two celebrated caricatures, which include "The Repeal [or The funeral of Miss Ame-Stamp, 1766], "with 4000 copies sold in one day" (1826 Feb. 13). 4 p. The envelope above corresponds to this letter.

Box 1, Folder 43

Woodward, Bernard Bolingbroke (1816-1869, Keeper of prints and drawings, Windsor Castle) 1826

Scope and Content Note

Writes to Mr. Fairholl that he may need an antiquarian draughtsman for the inquiries being made at Windsor Park, and wants to know if "it would be the kind of thing" for him (1826 Apr. 23). 1 p.

Container List