Autograph Letter Signed ('W. J. Newton') from the miniature painter Sir William John Newton to James Lakyn, regarding damage to his house in Argyle Street caused by building works.

12mo, 3 pp. Text clear and complete. Fair, on aged paper. 'Mr Westmacott [the sculptor Richard Westmacott the younger?]' has called on him, and he has 'shown him the settlement all down my Wall - I told him that you had seen it but did not contemplate any immediate danger - he said that Mr Valpy [Henry Valpy (fl.1851-1885) of the architects Burrell & Valpy] was out of town'. Westmacott will write to Valpy, as he thinks there ought to be 'a conference with' Lakyn, who 'should be requested to make a report'. The 'suggestion' Newton has made 'as to the Iron ties will be indispensable - & furthermore that the East wall near door to me should be rebuilt - as it must have weakened the North East angle'. The 'wall of Mr Slades house' has fallen down 'with a tremendous crash - while they were digging for the underpinning' [according to the Survey of London, Stephen Slade lived at 8 Argyle Street from 1819 to 1864]. From what Newton sees 'as to a preparation for a Wall' he fears that the builders 'intend to come beyond the opening of my light'. Asks Lakyn to 'look in' if he 'should be coming this way'. Newton moved from 6 Argyle Street, where he had lived since 1820, in 1866.