[Charles Napier Hemy, RA, painter based in Falmouth, Cornwall, regarded as the leading marine artist of his generation.] Autograph Letter Signed dealing with the disposal of unsold pictures.

An interesting letter, dealings with the practicalities of the artist’s profession in late Victorian/Edwardian England. Hemy was regarded as the leading English marine artist of his generation, with his paintings often selling for in excess of a thousand pounds. With the proceeds he built a grand house which he named Churchfield in Falmouth. 2pp, 16mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice. The recipient - presumably his agent - is not named and there is no salutation. Signed ‘C. Napier Hemy.’ Begins: ‘Thanks for cheque enclosed. for which I send over page formal receipt. [not present] I am sorry that you did not sell the misty weather[.] I thought one or other of the men who wanted it would have bought it. The first man spent £106 . 15 . 0 at Bartons, I think he would have done better out of the gallery.’ He asks for the pictures to be ‘sent up all right to the house’, and offers the services of his ‘man Gillet’. Postscript: ‘I have been very ill for 3 weeks & unable to work but hope to get better & be back in a fortnight. Mrs Hemy is with me tell Mr Ingram.’