[Henry Hawkins, English artist.] Autograph Letter Signed to William Loney of Macclesfield, regarding a ‘successful’ portrait he is painting of ‘Mr Roe’, and upsetting a bottle of varnish over a letter.

An uncommon signature of a neglected artist. Hawkins was a founding member of the Society of British Artists, exhibiting there prolifically from 1824 to 1881. He also showed at the Royal Academy eight times between 1822 and 1849. (See Holmes's entry in the Oxford DNB.) On 14 cm square piece of watermarked wove paper, cut from a frank. The letter is written on the reverse of the cover, which is laid out in the customary way: ‘London third July 1838 / Wm. Loney Esq / Macclesfield.’ With red dated postmark, and signed in the customary way at bottom left: ‘John [Baron?]’. In fair condition, lightly aged, with traces of blue paper mount adhering to the cover side. The letter reads: ‘My dear Sir / Our friend James Holmes requested me to preserve a Frank for the inclosed, I have done so, but have unfortunately upset a bottle of varnish over the letter - which accounts for its being in such a filthy state, which I trust you will excuse. - I am truly happy to hear from Roe - that you are well and as happy as can to [sic] expected - I am painting a portrait of Mr Roe which I think promises to be very successful - I trust you will give me a call when you come to Town / believe me / most truly yours &c / Henry Hawkins’.