CHARLES

The sculptor Behnes (died 1864) and six painters: Cooper (1787-1868), Ross (1794-1860), Pickersgill (1782-1875), Newton (1785-1869), Etty (1787-1849). Paper dimensions roughly five and a half inches by three. Good, though a touch grubby. Reads 'William Behnes | Ab Cooper. R.A. | W. C. Ross RA. | H W. Pickersgill | Wm. J. Newton | Wm.. Etty'. From a collection of material relating to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund, and docketed by the Fund's secretary, next to Cooper's name, 'not eligible | W J Roper'.

Denham was an artist (exhibited 1796-1858) and Wyatville (1766-1840) the architect best known for his transformation of Windsor Castle. Paper dimensions roughly four and a quarter inches by two and a half. Good. From a collection of material relating to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund. Reads '- J. C. Denham | 73 Pall Mall | J Wyatville', and on reverse, '<...> is, that I am now much <...> of my apartment, and of whic <...> help, from your <?> <...> most distressing kind - <...> every power, to obtain <...>, which, I am now down <...>'.

British miniature-painter (1761-1835). Dimensions of paper roughly seven and a half inches by one and a quarter. Good, on good-quality laid paper, but slightly creased and grubby at sides. Reads '[Signed] Charles Hayter 16 Buckingham Street | Portland Road | June 24. 1825'. Docketed to the right of signature and address. From a collection of material relating to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund.

English architect (1788-1863). Paper dimensions roughly seven inches by one and a quarter. Good, though somewhat grubby. From a collection of material relating to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund. Reads '<...> a necessity | C. R. Cockerell. | 10 Sepr. 1833. | 89 Eaton Square.' and on reverse '<...> | and relief, from the Benevolent Society of Artists | I am the Widow of the late Henry Landseer who died [^ on the 25 of July] after an Illness of only a few Hours. leaving myself and Two Infant Children totally destitute. - | <...>'

Shipowner (1840-1916), philanthropist and writer on social affairs. The recipient Herbert Vaughan (1832-1903) was the third Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster. Two pages, 12mo. Good, but with recto of leaf slightly smudged. Reads 'Dear Cardinal Vaughan | If half past nine is not too early I could come on Friday at that hour. I am afraid I cannot make it any later in the morning as I have to reach the City before 10.30. I could come on Friday Evening between 5 & 6 if that hour should suit you better'. Signed 'Charles Booth'.

English comedian (1848-1907), grandson of the actor Charles Kemble. Two pages, 12mo. On grubby, spotted and stained paper. 'I was so sorry to have been prevented coming to you on Sunday last, and also that my absence from town has precluded the possibility of my leaving Cards. I hope I may be more fortunate another time.'

Artist (1894-1966) and principal of Brighton School of Art. One page, octavo. Good, but lightly creased and with staple holes in the top lefthand corner. Date stamps in grey and red ink. Letter concerns the suitability of Alfred Charles Hull as a member of the Academy. Benney knew Hull 'for many years as a master at Shoreham Grammar School' and elsewhere. 'Mr. Hull is an extremely charming fellow and would socially fit in very happily with the Society. It is a little difficult, however, for me to say whether he is of fellowship standard.

English politician (1881-1965) and architect, much of whose work was done in the United States. Both letters two pages, quarto. Both letters docketed (the first heavily so), bearing the Society's stamp, and with pin and staple holes in top left-hand corner. Second letter good, first lightly creased and grubby. Revealing documents relating to the Royal Society's 'British Art in Industry' exhibition, held at the Royal Academy in 1935. The Society's website describes this as a 'resounding success', but as these letters show, the matter was not so clear cut.

Gadshill was purchased by Dickens for £1770 in 1857, and remained his home for the rest of his life. Dimensions of photograph approximately six inches by four. Sepia. In good condition, with one tiny closed tear and minor creasing to two corners. Shot from the front lawn and showing the front of house, with extension and part of conservatory to its right.

Docketed in pencil at foot of page 'Authoress of book on Poor Laws &c'. One page, quarto. Creased, discoloured and stained, with the rear repaired with tape. Interesting letter, referring to the publication of an essay. She is gratified by her correspondent's approbation of her 'attempt' and accepts his offer. Had the essay been published she would have asked for proof-sheets. 'I believe I have made a mis-quotation about the 8th or 9th page, & have written "Whosoever hath not &c" instead of "If any man have not".

British railway magnate and industrialist in India (1862-1949). The collection is very good. The five autograph letters are 12mo, and printed on letterheads. All items signed 'C H Armstrong'. Several items docketed and bearing the Society's stamp. Mainly concerned with Society committee matters, but two letters of interest. The first (autograph, 15 February 1928, 2 pages, 12mo): 'You will no doubt have seen the remarks of the Lord Chief Justice in the Mitchell Hedges case - Times of 14 inst page 5 column 2 - on "learned societies . . . .

Agricultural chemist (1876-1964). Both one page, quarto, and very good, though lightly creased. The letter carries a few light carbon-paper stains. The note informs the editor of the R.S.A. journal that Crowther is returning the 'corrected copy of my remarks in the discussion on my paper. | I presume that you will be sending me a supply of reprints when the Journal comes out'. The letter thanks the secretary for the copies of the journal.

Indian civil servant (1854-1935) whose posts included those of Under-Secretary to the Governments of Bengal and India. All four items signed 'Chas. S. Bayley'. All four items one page, 12mo. The last three, all on grey paper, very good; the first somewhat grubby and creased, and with two paperclip rust stains in one corner. LETTER ONE (addressed to 'Mr. Digby'): He is returning Menzie's letter (not present) and feels sure that 'the Indian Section Committee will be pleased to learn that the Council have agreed to appoint a joint committee to consider the question of the Birdwood medal.

English scientist (1899-1973), Professor of Biochemistry at the University of London, and President of the Royal College of Physicians, 1962. Both items one page, 4to, and both good, though creased and with a few small staple holes. First item addressed to 'The Secretary' and second to Luckhurst. Both signed 'E. C. Dodds'. ITEM ONE: He has signed the form and is 'very glad to have an opportunity of being considered for Fellowship by your Council'. Asks whether his subscription is required with the application. ITEM TWO: Requests that 'the necessary forms' be sent to 'Mr.

Dilke, the 2nd Baronet (1843-1911), was a disgraced politician and author. All items 12mo and very good. All three docketed, bearing the Society's stamp, and signed 'C. Wentworth Dilke'. The first item is addressed to Menzies personally and the other two to 'The Secty.' ITEM ONE: one page. He has received the letter of 9 February and is 'pleased to send you a subscription though not much in town'. ITEM TWO: two pages. Would like to know 'whether ladies are admitted as guests and how often'.

Dilke, the 2nd Baronet (1843-1911), was a disgraced politician and author. Engrossed in black ink on two large pieces of vellum. Ruled with red lines. Two-part schedule. Signed by Dilke and Hadgate to the left of two out of three red-wax seals on green ribbon at foot of document. Second sheet an indenture by Cartwright & Vintner of 51 Bedford Row, with two plans coloured in green, pink, orange and red, bearing stamps to the value of £22 15s. 0d. Witnessed on reverse of indenture, which also bears a memorandum of 16 March 1906.

Clerk to the Privy Council (1794–1865) and noted diarist. Items clearly disbound from volume, with minute foliated '84'. The Order in Council is three pages, folio, on two leaves of gilt-edged laid paper. Good, though slightly discoloured, dusty at head, and with several closed tears and stab marks along one edge. Small square cut away from corner of second leaf (not affecting text). Entirely legible in a clear neat hand.

Son (1854-1936) of the publisher John Murray and partner in the firm. The husband (1828-1915) of the recipient was a connoisseur and print collector. Two pages, 12mo. Folded three times. In very good condition. He cannot accept the dinner engagement for the 13th June. 'I have unfortunately an engagement on that evening to dine with friends in this neighbourhood.'

Son of the English polititian, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt Jones (1765-1811). One page, quarto. On mourning paper. Folded three times. Several closed tears and small creases, and with one stub hole at centre (not affecting text). 'Sir. | You will most particularly oblige me by sending me a Box for either Theatre this Evening as my Brother in Law Mr. Tollemache & myself are most anxious to be there. We shd. prefer Covent Garden.

One page, 12mo. Very good. Neatly mounted on piece of orange paper. In Dilke's difficult hand. Concerns a 'Report': 'The only specific fact is that the misprints <?> cost to each of one shilling. [...] The enormous cost of about £12 per draft is to the Fund. How much the <?> cost to the <?> is not stated - <?> as 'almost too small to be noticed' - which is <?>. Why do they not publish the <?> expenditure. Then we should know what is the amount of an 'almost too small'. If you ever get an Acct with that fact set forth I should be glad to look at it.' Signed 'C W Dilke'.

Commissioner of Customs (circa 1775-1853), husband of Lady Anne Wellesley. The recipient is Emmanuel-Louis-Henri de Launay, Comte d'Antraigues (1753-1812). Two pages, 12mo. Folded twice. Somewhat grubby and discoloured with age, but in good condition overall. He was directed by the Marquess Wellesley to request that the Count call on him that day, in order to 'satisfy the object of your recent communications'.

Second baronet (1843-1911), politician and author. Three pages, 12mo. In good condition although grubby and with a few stains. 'My Coal Mines Prevention of Child Labour Underground Bill grew out of the Eight Hours debate and a challenge to the Coal Owners, so I did not put metalliferous mines in, and excluded them by any title. There are very few boys under 13 in them, but the principle might be the same'. He has been consulted on the matter by the Home Office, and has spoken to Lord Grey about it.

Behnes (died 1864) was a sculptor of high renown. Ross (1794-1860) was a miniature painter whose work includes portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Paper dimensions roughly 4 1/2 inches by 2 inches. In good condition. Reads 'William Behnes | W. C. Ross'. On verso 'my Apartments, should <...> | to the utmost of my hop <...> | be inadequate to extricat <...>'.

Four pages. 16mo bifoliate. In poor condition: grubby, creased, stained and worn. Traces of previous mounting along top of two central pages, and of stub along one edge, removal of which has caused a small hole (not affecting text). A letter to the publisher of his 'Essays on various subjects' (3 vols, 1853): '<...> sermons, I have "50 Heaven" "Means of salvation" being "49." | Either therefore our lists do not agree, or one of us has made a mistake.

English essayist and biographer (1868-1938). Plain postcard, dimensions roughly 4 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Grubby and smudged, with central vertical crease. Deleted printed letterhead '176, VICTORIA STREET, | (CORNER OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE ROAD.) | S.W.1.' Reads '41 Sloane St | Many thanks | E. V. Lucas'. Addressed by Lucas to 'R. S. McMinn Esq | 35 Birdhurst Rd | S. Croydon'.

English essayist and biographer (1868-1938). Attractive printed cheque in black and blue ink on light blue paper: dimensions roughly 7 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. The cheque is for sixpence, and a pencil note (presumably by Thorpe) on the reverse explains how it results from a lost wager: 'Bet | Whether Geo A Birmingham wrote a Gen[era]l knowledge book. | He did.'

The elder brother of Charles and Sir Francis Baring, John Baring was a leading Exeter citizen and an MP from 1776. While in reality a sleeping partner, he was also the nominal head of John and Francis Baring & Co. of London, and John and Charles Baring & Co. of Exeter. 1 page, 8vo. In good condition. Apparently to his solicitors, concerning the drafting of his will. 'As my wish is to keep my home &c at perfectly distinct from my other property - be pleased on failure of Mr Shorts Children to let it go to my generally'.

English essayist and biographer of Charles Lamb (1868-1938). 1 page, dimensions approximately 4 inches by 6 inches. Somewhat grubby and creased. Reads 'Feb 26| 1919 | with E V Lucas's | compliments'.

Anglo-French actor best remembered for having presented Charles Dickens with the Swiss chalet he erected in the garden at Gadshill and in which he wrote Great Expectations. The recipient was a lawyer and antiquary. The signature is on a slip approximately two inches by four and a half, presumably part of a letter or envelope, and laid down on a piece of card. Miniscule loss to part of slip, but text unaffected. Inscribed 'Fred. Ouvry Esq. | Ch. Fechter', with the signature underlined and overlined by Fechter.

French writer (1805-1851). Three pages, 8vo, bifoliate, good condition. "Sir,/ I have the honor to forward you the enclosed prospectus of the "Encyclopedie du XIXe Siecle" in which the high approbation given to this work by his Holiness, and also that of the R.R.