STATUARY

[Public Morality in 1907: 'Living Statuary' and the National Vigilance Association.] File of cards, press cuttings, circulars, copy letter to Daily Chronicle, from papers of William J. Taylor of London Female Preventive and Reformatory Institution.

Author: 
'Living Statuary' [W. A. Coote, National Vigilance Association; E. Fox Butler, London Council for the Promotion of Public Morality; 'La Milo', i.e. Pansy Montague; Music Hall; London County Council]
Publication details: 
Between April and June 1907 [Daily Chronicle; National Vigilance Association; London Council for the Promotion of Public Morality; London Female Preventive and Reformatory Institution.]
£520.00

A marvellous slice of unexplored Edwardian social history, raising questions of morality, censorship, art and pornography, from the papers of William J. Taylor, Secretary of the London Female Preventive and Reformatory Institution. The 'Living Statuary' controversy arose over 'the propriety of the living statuary exhibitions in music-halls' (Daily Chronicle, 30 April 1907), and in particular the performances of the Australian artiste Pansy Montague (b.

[ Alfred Bromley, Yorkshire sculptor, statuary, marble mason. ] Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed member of the clergy (Revd. Walker), requesting the payment of 'the small Acc[oun]t', as he has taken over Tilney's marble works in Leeds.

Author: 
Alfred Bromley (c.1828-1887), sculptor, statuary, marble mason, born in Birstal, Yorkshire [ Thomas Tilney's marble works, Leeds ]
Publication details: 
Marble Works, Saville Street, Wellington Street, Leeds. 20 January 1852.
£120.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium on grey paper. In good condition, lightly aged. He begins by calling in 'the small Acct', explaining that he has 'lately been subjected to rather an expensive personal, [sic] having taken the old established Marble Works late in the occupation of Mr. Tilney, directly opposite the Gt Northern Railway Station'. He is obliged to use all his endeavours 'to get together all my small outstanding Accounts, or exclusive of any other, I would not of some time yet caused [sic] yourself the slightest trouble concerning its remittance'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('A. Bruce Joy.') from the Anglo-Irish sculptor Albert Bruce-Joy to an unnamed female correspondent, regarding 'busts', together with part of another signed letter, giving directions for installation.

Author: 
Albert Bruce-Joy [Albert Bruce Joy] (1842-1924), Anglo-Irish sculptor
Publication details: 
On cancelled letterheads of Chase Lodge, near Shotter Mill, Haslemere. The complete letter dated19 March 1893, the other letter undated.
£65.00

Both items in fair condition, on lightly-aged and worn paper, each with pin holes in one corner. Both items in a hurried, difficult hand. ONE: To 'Dear Madam', dated 19 March 1893. Docketed 'Mr. B. Joy | 29/3/93'. 2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. He begins by apologising that 'your letter should not have been replied to you [sic]', as he has been 'laid up'. He asks her to inform him when 'the busts' will be needed, '& I will see whether I can send anything'. TWO: Incomplete letter, signed 'A. Bruce Joy'. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Numbered by Bruce-Joy '2'.

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