[ Alfred John Hewins, Barmouth artist. ] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'A. J. Hewins') to the Arts and Crafts patron Laurence William Hodson, discussing the Welsh landscape, the Second Boer War, and the renovation of a house.

Author: 
Alfred John Hewins of Barmouth (Gwynned, Wales), artist and art teacher [ Laurence William Hodson of Compton Hall, patron of the Arts and Crafts movement and friend of William Morris]
Publication details: 
14 September and 27 December 1899, and 3 May 1906. The first two from Barmouth [Gwynned, North Wales], the last from 1 Victoria Place, Barmouth.
£120.00
SKU: 16564

Totalling 10pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. ONE: 14 September 1899. 4pp., 12mo. He was pleased to receive Hodson's letter from Southwold, and reports on the 'Abraham sale', and 'talk of a tram line being made to Mochras' ('all fudge & nonsense'). 'At the Junction, Solomon Andrews has been busy building houses, but as they are sinking into the peat bog he has had to pull part of them down again; or else they fell down, which they seem to have done to judge by the chaotic confusion of the ruin.' He describes a visit to a 'nearly unspoilt bit of county where Progress is unknown' and 'even the name of Dreyfus signified nothing'. He has 'marvelled' at Capel Curig, 'wished for a month there amongst the crags, to do slaylines & bee-lines. Talk about MacLure on Richmond Hill! Your true mountain scenery is in the neighbourhood of the Glyder Fawr. Lord!' TWO: 27 December 1899. 4pp., 12mo. Thanking him for the Christmas present to his family, and praising the 'dainty talent in design' of 'Mrs Easkin', and commenting on one of her compositions. 'Are you girding your loins, buckling on your sword & preparing for the "front"? Of course, I allude to the "outburst of patriotism" & mobilising of volunteers' (in the Second Boer War). He jokes that 'married men with families are ineligible, so you must eat your heart out at Compton'. Expresses a hope that 'our forces will score soon. Lately, I have been afraid of opening the paper, lest "British Reverse", or "Check to Butler" in large type should meet my eye.' He ends by describing Dolgelly, as seen on a recent visit. THREE: 3 May 1906. 2pp., 12mo. He discusses the state of a house: 'The barn door is in a bad state, quite beyond repair. What is left of the ivy will hold up the slates for the present. R. Roberts is putting the new floor in. A built-up fire place, & chimney have come to light (no pun intended).'