ARTS

[‘I feel rather as a brother than as a client’. Captain George Jones, RA, Librarian of the Royal Academy.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘George Jones’) to his close friend Sir Francis Chantrey, explaining his embarrassment at selling him a painting.

Author: 
Captain George Jones (1786-1869), RA, Librarian and acting President of the Royal Academy, and army officer, close friend and executor of J. M. W. Turner and Sir Francis Chantrey
Publication details: 
Without date or place, but before Chantrey's death in 1841, and probably from London.
£150.00

See the entries for Jones and Chantry in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 12mo. On bifolium. An interesting letter of 39 lines with text intact, in poor condition, aged and with closed tears, and discoloration from tape used in repair, and ink blot to first page. The surname of the recipient is not given, but the close friendship between the two men (Jones published a memoir of Chantrey in 1849) puts Chantrey’s identity beyond doubt.

[John Bromfield Gay Rees, Welsh Artist] The Correspondence of John Bromfield Gay Rees, Welsh Artist. An archive..

Author: 
[John Bromfield Gay Rees, Welsh Artist.
Publication details: 
1930-65
£1,750.00

John Bromfield Gay Rees (1912 - 1965), known to his family and friends as Brom, was a Welsh painter whose work was admired by such eminent figures as Dylan Thomas, Augustus John, William Rothenstein and Eardley Knollys, among others. Introspective and private, he was practically unknown to the general public during his lifetime, and the first major exhibition devoted solely to his work was in 1989.

[ Trafford Smith, Lieutenant-Governor, Malta [ Typed Letter Signed Trafford Smith to Miss Felicity Ashbee, apparently giving her influential contacts for her travels.

Author: 
Trafford Smith, Lieutenant-Governor, Malta
Publication details: 
The Palace, Valletta, 14 August 1958.
£40.00

One page, 8vo, fold marks, very good condition. Text: I enclose two letters from Maitland, the Malta Area Manager of Shell, whose sway extends over the Shelkl Company in Tripoli, one addressed to yoy and the other to the Tripoli Manager. | I have probably done you wrong in saying that this is the first time you are visiting an Arab country, but anyway your presumed naivete will, I hope, only make them the more helpful. | I hope it all works out, and that you find Libya as rewarding as I did.

[Derek Stanford, biographer, essayist and poet, to playwright Christopher Fry.] 19 Autograph Letters Signed ('Derek S.' and 'Derek'), Autograph Card Signed, and carbons of three reviews. With 2 [copy?] letters to Stanford from Fry, and Stanford's CV.

Author: 
Derek Stanford (1918-2008), biographer, essayist and poet, supporter of Muriel Spark and Dylan Thomas [Christopher Fry, playwright]
Publication details: 
Stanford's 19 letters between 17 February 1970 and 31 October 1978. Early letters from 1 St Catherine's Court, Bedford Park, W4 [London]; later letters from 5 Cricketfield Court, Cricketfield Road, Seaford, Sussex. Postcard from Worthing, 1997.
£450.00

Stanford's study of Fry in the British Council's 'Writers and their Work' series was re-published several times, and the early letters in the present collection refer to the preparation of the fourth edition, published by Longmans in 1971 (the bibliography to which Stanford refers as 'CHRISTOPHER STATE PAPERS'). A total of twenty-six items. The material in good condition, lightly aged. Stanford's nineteen letters total 65pp, 12mo. In an undisciplined hand, in different-coloured ink, on different-coloured paper. Stanford's 19 letters between 17 February 1970 and 31 October 1978.

[Cloudesley Brereton, educationalist and poet.] Three Autograph Letters Signed to Sir Henry Trueman Wood, Secretary, Society of Arts, topics including a proposed lecture and America. With inscribed printed prospectus for 'Roger Bacon Commemoration'.

Author: 
Cloudesley Brereton [Cloudesley Shovell Henry Brereton] (1863-1937), educationalist and poet [Sir Henry Trueman Wood (1845-1929), Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, London; Roger Bacon]
Publication details: 
Letters: 4 January 1900, on letterhead of Briningham House, Melton Constable; 2 July 1901, on letterhead of Westminster Hotel, New York; 12 July [1913], on letterhead of 7 Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead, N.W. [London] Prospectus: July 1913.
£160.00

Four items, in good condition, lightly aged. The three letters with date stamps of the Society of Arts, and two with pencil annotations. All three signed 'Cloudesley Brereton'. ONE: ALS of 4 January 1900. 2pp, 12mo. He thanks him for his 'kindly intervention with the Board of Education', which he believes 'will in time bear good fruit'. He has been 'thinking over' Wood's 'suggestion of giving a lecture on the Rural Schools of France', and would 'much like to take it up if you have still a vacant date & you do not want it too soon - as I am just now overwhelmed with work'.

[Sir Arthur Schuster of the University of Manchester, physicist who first described the concept of antimatter.] Typed Letter Signed ('Arthur Schuster') to Sir H. T. Wood, explaining his reason for declining to join council of Royal Society of Arts.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Schuster [Sir Franz Arthur Friedrich Schuster] (1851-1934), German-born physicist at the University of Manchester who first described the concept of antimatter
Publication details: 
30 June 1917. On letterhead of Yeldall, Twyford, Berks.
£120.00

1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. With date stamp of the RSA. In response to a letter from Wood, he writes that he is 'highly honoured by the election to the membership of the Council of your Society', but that he is 'obliged to communicate to you my inability to accept it'. He explains: 'My work at the Royal Society has, in consequence of the War, increased to such an extent that I do not feel justified in undertaking any additional duties'.

[Edward Hull, geologist, Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edward Hull') to Sir H. T. Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, suggesting the reading of a paper by relative on the German use of fat in explosives.

Author: 
Edward Hull (1829-1917), Irish geologist, Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland and Professor of Geology in the Royal College of Science, Dublin [Royal Society of Arts, London]
Publication details: 
Undated, but with date stamp of the Royal Society of Arts, London, 24 March 1916. On letterhead of 14 Stanley Gardens, W. [London]
£50.00

3pp., 12mo. On bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. With date stamp of the RSA, and endorsement in blue pencil. He is writing to inform Wood that 'a relative of mine has written a paper on a subject of importance regarding the connection of fat [containing glycerin] with manufacture of explosives in Germany - and showing how that Country is approaching a crisis - when her supply of fat will be approaching exhaustion'.

[Suttons Seeds, Reading.] Typed Letter Signed from Martin H. J. Sutton of the Royal Seed Establishment to G. K. Menzies, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, regarding his experiments with 'radio-active fertilizers'.

Author: 
[Suttons Seeds] Martin Hubert Foquet Sutton (1875-1930) of the Royal Seed Establishment, Reading, grandson of Martin Hope Sutton (1815-1901), seed merchant
Publication details: 
18 September 1915. On letterhead, with Royal Warrant, of The Royal Seed Establishment, Reading, England.
£120.00

See the entry for Martin Hope Sutton in the Oxford DNB, and that for his grandson Martin Hubert Fouquet Sutton in Who Was Who. 2pp, 4to. I good condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded three times. With RSA date stamp. Signed 'Martin H F Sutton'. In reply to a letter from Menzies, Sutton expresses regret that 'it will be impossible for you to attend the Demonstration here on the 24th inst.' Sutton will be 'publishing certain particulars for the benefit of those present' and will be glad to send Menzies a copy.

[French snuff boxes, Christie's auction catalogue.] Catalogue of the Collection of Old French Snuff-Boxes and Objects of Vertu formed by Sir Edward Marshall Hall, K.C. deceased.

Author: 
Sir Edward Marshall Hall, K.C. [Messrs. Christie, Manson & Woods, London auctioneers; French snuff boxes]
Publication details: 
By Order of the Executors. Sold by auction on 22 June 1927 by Messrs. Christie, Manson & Woods at their Great Rooms, 8 King Street, St. James's Square, London. [Printed by William Clowes and Sons, Limited, London.]
£90.00

14pp, 4to. Stitched into grey printed wraps. In good condition, lightly aged, with one corner slightly dog-eared. 143 lots, divided into two sections: 'Miniatures and Enamels' and 'Objects of Vertu'. The snuff-boxes feature in the latter, and include: '112 A Louis XVI. plain oblong gold snuff-box, with rounded ends and reeded borders - bearing the mark of Henri Clavel, Paris 1778 - the rim engraved "DU PETIT DUNKERQUE"' and '122 A LOUIS XV.

[Sir John Charles Robinson, as Hon. Sec. of the Fine Arts Club, London.] Letter, in a secretarial hand, signed by Robinson ('J C Robinson'), informing Rev. James Beck that he has been elected a member.

Author: 
Sir John Charles Robinson [J. C. Robinson] (1824-1913), painter, etcher, art collector, curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, first President of the Burlington Fine Arts Club, London [James Beck]
Publication details: 
Fine Arts Club, 13 Foulis Terrace, Brompton, S.W. [London] 23 February 1863.
£35.00

2pp, folio. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice.

[Herbert Whittaker, Canadian theatre critic, designer and director.] Eight long Signed Letters (six typed and two in autograph) to English playwright Christopher Fry, on theatre matters including a reading at the Toronto Arts and Letters Club.

Author: 
Herbert Whittaker (1910-2006), Canadian theatre critic, designer and director [Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright; Canadian Players; Hart House Theatre; Crest Theatre; Montreal Repertory Theatre]
Publication details: 
From his address in Lamport Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; between 11 July 1998 and 7 April 2002.
£850.00

An interesting correspondence on theatre matters, from one of Canada's most influential critics and designers to 'a favourite poet', the English verse dramatist Christopher Fry. Whittaker discusses, among other matters, mutual acquaintances including Sir John Gielgud and Leonard White, past productions of Fry's plays, a 1998 meeting with the playwright at his West Dean home, and a reading he organises of Fry's 'A Ringing of Bells' at the Toronto Arts and Letters Club. The eight letters are in good condition, lightly aged.

[John Coakley Lettsom, physician, founder of the Medical Society of London, friend of Benjamin Franklin.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. C. Lettsom') to 'Dr. Taylor' [Charles Taylor], regarding his nomination as member of the Society.

Author: 
John Coakley Lettsom (1744-1815), physician, philanthropist, abolitionist, founder in 1773 of the Medical Society of London, friend of Benjamin Franklin [Dr Charles Taylor, Secretary, Society of Arts]
Publication details: 
['Sambrook Co [Sambrook Court, Basinghall Street, London] | Nov. 25. 1805.'
£450.00

The recipient is Charles Taylor (d.1816), physician, originally a Manchester calico printer and dyer, who later became Secretary of the Society of Arts, London. 1p, 8vo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is addressed, with postmarks to 'Dr. Taylor | Principal Secretary | to the Society of Arts &c | Adelphi'. Folded four times. Reads: 'Dear Doctor | I have this day proposed your name to the Medical Society of London.

[Wilfrid Ball, artist and etcher.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Wilfrid Ball') to 'Mrs. Barnard', giving news of his work, including '"slogging" away at water-colours', and submitting 'an oil to the Academy' which 'they are sure to kick [...] out'.

Author: 
Wilfrid Ball [Wilfrid Williams Ball] (1853-1917), landscape and marine painter and etcher, President of the Society of British Artists
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 4 Albemarle Street, W. [London] 3 April 1894.
£120.00

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. He thanks her for remembering him and sending 'that splendid photograph of yourself – I really think it is the best I have seen'. He continues: 'I have been “slogging” away at water-colours for a shew in Manchester and so have kept pretty busy.' He is sending 'a Nile water colour to the New Gallery', and has sent 'an oil to the Academy – they are sure to kick it out so I shan't mind'. He hopes that she and her sister 'are all right' and 'enjoying this lovely weather'.

[Alberto de Almeida Cavalcanti, Brazilian film director and producer.] Typed Letter Signed ('Cavalcanti') to K. W. Luckhurst, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, agreeing to his election as a member.

Author: 
A. de A. Cavalcanti [Alberto de Almeida Cavalcanti] (1897-1982) Brazilian film director and producer who worked in England at GPO Film Unit and Ealing Studios [Royal Society of Arts, London]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead: 'A. de A. Cavalcanti 13 Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath SE3 [London]'. 2 September 1947.
£50.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with pin holes to one corner. Date stamp. After thanking Luckhurst for his letter he writes: 'I am very flattered that your Council should wish to nominate me for election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and shall consider it a great honour to be so elected. I am returning the form of application together with my cheque for three guineas.'

[Sir Digby Wyatt, Slade Professor at Cambridge.] Five Autograph Letters Signed (all 'M. Digby Wyatt') to Peter Le Neve Foster, Secretary, Society of Arts, the first two regarding his paper on the Staffordshire potter Herbert Minton.

Author: 
Sir Digby Wyatt [Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt] (1820-1877), architect, Slade Professor of Fine Art at Cambridge [Peter Le Neve Foster (1809-1879), Secretary, Society of Arts, London; Herbert Minton]]
Publication details: 
First three from 54 Guildford Street, London: 'Saty.' [22 May 1858], 27 May 1858 and 19 June 1858. Fourth on letterhead of 37 Tavistock Place, Russell Square, W.C.: 5 December 1863. Fifth: 15 October 1871.
£220.00

The influential potter Herbert Minton (1793-1858), of the Staffordshire firm Thomas Minton and Sons, had died on 1 April 1858. A couple of months later, on 26 May 1858, Wyatt read before the Society of Arts his paper 'On the Influence exercised on Ceramic Manufactures by the late Mr. Herbert Minton'. The first four letters carry the stamp of the Society of Arts. All five items in good condition, lightly aged. The first two 1p., 12mo; the third 2pp., 12mo. The fourt 3pp., 12mo. The fifth 1p, landscape 12mo. ONE ('Saty'): Reads: 'I have selected at Phillip's (Chamberlaine's) in Bond St.

[Sir Thomas Lawrence, President of the Royal Academy.] Four manuscript documents from his sister's descendants the Aston family: a pedigree, tracing Lawrence's mother back to William the Conqueror, and three inventories of engravings and books.

Author: 
Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), President of the Royal Academy and distinguished portrait painter
Publication details: 
Without place or date. (English, nineteenth century.)
£280.00

ONE: Manuscript pedigree. On one side of a 49 x 38 cm piece of thick laid paper, with no watermark. Folded three times. Discoloured and with light damp staining. The greater part of the pedigree is written in ink in a loose hand, and traces the descent of Sir Thomas Lawrence's mother Lucy (née Read) to William the Conqueror.

[ 'Smith Payne & Co.' [John Moyr Smith and James Bertrand Payne].] The Anglican Mysteries of Paris, Revealed in the Stirring Adventures of Captain Mars and his two friends Messieurs Scribbley & Daubiton.

Author: 
'Smith Payne & Co.' [John Moyr Smith (1839-1912), Scottish Arts and Crafts artist; James Bertrand Payne (1833-1898), author; Edward Moxon (English, 1801-1858), London publisher; Gustav Doré]
Publication details: 
London: E. Moxon, Son & Co., 1870.
£220.00

The author of the text of the present volume, J. B. Payne, was manager of the book's publisher Moxon, and ruined the firm with his sumptuous editions, including one of Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' with illustrations by Gustav Doré, which determined Tennyson to forbid future illustrated editions of his work. The market for the present volume would have been limited, and the cost of producing it so high, that it is hard to see how it can have covered its costs. [3] + 53pp., 4to. Each of the 56 pages is lithographed in black against a light-brown background, on thick art paper.

[ Renown Akido Society, Hillingdon, the first Akido society in the UK. ] Duplicated Typed Circular explaining Japanese terms, wiith manuscript annotation (by founder Ken Williams?).

Author: 
Renown Akido Society, Hillingdon, the first society teaching Akido in the United Kingdom, founded by Ken Williams, pupil of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei
Publication details: 
Renown Akido Society [ Hillingdon ]. Between 1966 and 1969.
£50.00

An interesting artefact from the early days of Akido in the United Kingdom. Akido was introduced into the UK 1955 by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei at the Hut Dojo in Hillingdon. His first student was Ken Williams. In 1957 Haydn Foster joined the Hut and continued to teach there until his death in 2011. The Renown Society was formed in 1966 by Williams after Abbe returned to Japan. This was the original society teaching Akido in the UK. The Renown Society broke up in 1969. 4pp., foolscap 8vo.

[ George Vicat Cole, English artist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Vicat Cole'), requesting tickets to Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Procession.

Author: 
Vicat Cole [ George Vicat Cole ] (1833-1893) ], English painter
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Little Campden House, Kensington, W. [ London ] 9 June 1887.
£30.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. The recipient is an unnamed man and the subject is Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Procession, London, 21 June 1887. Asking for tickets, if there are 'any good places left', 'to view the procession of the 21st.'

[ Edward William Wyon, sculptor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edward W Wyon') to R. Redpath, praising Sir Francis Chantrey as a 'great Master of Portrait Sculpture', and his statue of 'a Bishop kneeling' [ Reginald Heber. ].

Author: 
Edward William Wyon (1811-1885), sculptor [ Sir Francis Chantrey (1781-1841); Reginald Heber (1783-1826), Bishop of Calcutta ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 19A Stanhope Street, Hampstead Road, N.W. London. 1 March 1867.
£100.00

Wyon studied at the Royal Academy schools from 1829, and became a celebrated sculptor, exhibiting at the Royal Academy regularly from 1831 to 1876. Among his commissions were works intended for reproduction by Wedgwood as well as numerous portrait busts. 1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. The subject of the letter is Chantrey's 1847 statue of Reginald Heber (1783-1826), Bishop of Calcutta, now in St Paul's Cathedral in that city.

[ Peter Le Neve Foster, mathematican, photographer, and Secretary of the Royal Society of Arts. ] Autograph Note Signed ('P. Le Neve Foster') to George Ranken at Hull.

Author: 
Peter Le Neve Foster (1809-1879), mathematician, Secretary of the Royal Society of Arts, and photographer of the Calotype Club
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Society of Arts, Manufactures, & Commerce [ now the Royal Society of Arts ], John St, Adelphi, London. 11 March 1863.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. The note reads: 'Dear Sir, | All the Catalogues at my disposal have long since been distributed. | Yours faithfully | P. Le Neve Foster | Secy'.

[ Sir William Job Collins, ophthalmic surgeon and Liberal politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W J Collins') to 'Sir Henry', i.e. Sir Henry Trueman Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, explaining why he has no lecture ready for the Society.

Author: 
Sir William Job Collins (1859-1946), English ophthalmic surgeon and Liberal politician [ Sir Henry Trueman Wood (1845-1929), Secretary, Royal Society of Arts ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Meads End, Eastbourne. 8 October 1915.
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, with the Society's oval date stamp. He thanks him for the 'kindly renewed invitation to lecture at the R.S.A. As you surmise, I am too much engaged at present to put together anything worthy of so august a body.' He is 'collecting material & perhaps at that indefinite date - "after the war" - I may be able to put it into shape'. He concludes: 'We miss you at the Chadwick'.

[ Hans Schmoller and The Imprint Society for the Advancement of the Graphic Arts in South Africa: corrected proof of pamphlet by Hortors Limited. ] The Imprint Society | An Account of its Inception to which is appended a Draft Constitution.

Author: 
Hans Schmoller [ Hans Peter Schmoller ], typographer; The Imprint Society for the Advancement of the Graphic Arts in South Africa, Johannesburg [ Hortors Limited, printers ]
Publication details: 
'For circulation to members and prospective members'. Johannesburg, 1944.
£220.00

8pp., 12mo. Stitched into grey printed wraps. Aged and worn. On reverse of title: 'This booklet is produced in accordance with Paper Control regulations and is therefore limited in size and scope | It is publication number one of the Imprint Society and was first issued in August 1944'. The pamphlet begins: 'The idea that led to the Imprint Society being formed was conceived when two compositors, working in Johannesburg in 1939, realized that most of the printed matter produced in South Africa was ugly and uninspired, and that nothing was being done to remedy this.

[ Charles Henry Hart on the portrait of Benjamin Franklin at the Royal Society. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles Henry Hart') to Sir Henry Trueman Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, discussing his discovery and attribution of the portrait.

Author: 
Charles Henry Hart (1847-1918), American art expert and author [ Sir Henry Trueman Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts; Benjamin Franklin; Caleb Whitefoord ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Royal Societies Club, St. James's Street, S.W. [ London ] 26 August 1914.
£130.00

2pp., 12mo, and 1p., 8vo. On a 12mo bifolium, with the opening written lengthwise as one page. In good condition, lightly aged, with the Society's oval date stamp. He regrets 'exceedingly' that he was not able to meet Wood on the previous day 'when I was at the Hall'. He thanks him for 'recalling to me the Whitefoord Correspondence which I had forgotten altho I used it in writing my monograph on the Unique Portrait of Franklin at the Royal Society that was presented by Caleb Whitefoord and which the Royal Society did not know by whom it was painted until I discovered it & wrote my paper'.

[ Sir Walter Townley, diplomat. ] Two Typed Letters Signed (both 'Walter Townley') and Autograph Letter in third person, to G. K. Menzies, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, two regarding a lecture by him, with two letters by his private secretary.

Author: 
Sir Walter Townley [ Sir Walter Beaupré Townley ] (1863-1945), diplomat, British Ambassador to the Netherlands at end of First World War [ Royal Society of Arts, London ]
Publication details: 
Autograph Letter on letterhead of 32 Eaton Square, London; undated (stamped date 1 March 1920); two other items from The British Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands East Indies (Inc.), 38 Dover Street, London. 20 and 30 September 1921.
£40.00

Five items in good condition, lightly aged. All items with the Society's stamp. ONE: TLS. 20 September 1921. 1p., 4to. Agreeing to the Society's request for 'an authoritative paper on the subject of trade with the Netherlands East Indies', and asking for the proposed date ('approximately'), as he will be 'in Holland in the latter part of October, when I shall be in a position to get all the latest and most reliable information obtainable upon this interesting and very important subject'. TWO: TLS. 30 September 1921. 1p., 4to.

[ Wyatt Wyatt-Paine, lawyer and editor of legal textbooks. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'W. Wyatt Paine') to the Secretary, Royal Society of Arts

Author: 
Wyatt Wyatt-Paine (c.1855-1935), lawyer and author of numerous legal textbooks
Publication details: 
The first from 4 Harcourt Buildings, Temple, E.C. [ London ]; 12 August 1913. The second from 'Hill Pide', Ventnor, Isle of Wight; 22 August 1913.
£45.00

In Wyatt-Paine's obituary The Times (13 April 1935) described him as 'probably one of the most learned lawyers who ever held the office of stipendiary magistrate'. Both items in good condition, lightly aged, and both bearing the Society's date stamp. ONE: 12 August 1913. 2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. The letter concerns the Swiney Prize, regarding which Wyatt-Paine has 'perused a notice [...] which states that the prospective award in January 1914 will be made for a treatise on "General Jurisprudence"'.

[ Sir Cecil Harcourt Smith, archaeologist and Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Cecil H. Smith.') to Sir Henry Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, describing arrangements for the judging of the Owen Jones prizes

Author: 
Sir Cecil Harcourt Smith (1859-1944), archaeologist and Director and Secretary of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1909-1924 [ Sir Henry Trueman Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. 24 October 1916.reg
£50.00

2pp., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. With the Society's oval date stamp. He is sending as promised 'a note of the arrangements agreed upon between us at our interview to-day'. Undertaking to provide space at the Museum 'for the purpose of receiving, arranging for judgment, and re-despatching the designs submitted for the Owen Jones prizes for industrial design. The judging will be done by your nominees, and all correspondence in connection with the matter will be in your hands'.

[ Sir Harry Ricardo, pioneering engine designer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Harry R Ricardo') to the Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, regarding an invitation to give a course of lectures.

Author: 
Sir Harry Ricardo [ Sir Harry Ralph Ricardo ] (1885-1974), pioneering engine designer [ Royal Society of Arts, London ]
Publication details: 
Penotone, Lancing, Sussex. 22 July [1921].
£40.00

1p., 16mo. In good condition, lightly aged. With the Society's date stamp and a query in red pencil. He apologises for the delay in replying to an invitation 'to give a short course of lectures': 'I should very much like to do this at some later date but I am afraid that I have already committed myself so deeply for this next winter and spring that it will not be possible for me to do so.' He is 'very flattered indeed' by the inviation and regrets having to decline it.

[ Rev. Robert Whiston, the inspiration for Trollope's 'The Warden'. ] Autograph Letter Signed and Autograph Note Signed (both 'Robert Whiston') to Richard Prall, Rochester solicitor

Author: 
Robert Whiston (1808-1895), Headmaster of Rochester Cathedral Grammar School [ King's School ], 1842 -1877, inspiration for Anthony Trollope's 'The Warden' [ Richard Prall (1802-67), solicitor ]
Publication details: 
Letter from Rochester [ Kent ]; 28 September 1872. Note from St. Margarets; 20 April 1877.
£150.00

Both items in fair condition, aged and worn. ONE: ALS. 28 September 1872. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. He is 'taking somewhat of a liberty', but having heard 'that you are parting with one of your Clerks', says 'a word in favour of a person in whom for many reasons I take a great interest, & of whom you & your Brothers may know something. | I mean Mr. Prothero for many years an Inmate of my House, & an Assistant Master in the School'. Prothero was 'for some years a Clerk in the County Court', but 'is obliged from paucity of business to leave it, & is now out of employment'.

[ Alan John Sainsbury, Lord Sainsbury. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Sainsbury') to J. Samson, Assistant Secretary, Royal Society of Arts, agreeing to take the chair for a paper by Sir Rex Cohen, Chairman of Selfridges. With copy of Samson's letter.

Author: 
Alan John Sainsbury, Baron Sainsbury [ Lord Sainsbury ] (1902-1998), leading member of the owners of Sainsbury's supermarket chain
Publication details: 
On letterhead of J. Sainsbury Ltd, Stamford House, Stamford Street, London SE1. 4 September 1964. Copy Letter by Samson: 6 August 1964.
£50.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged, stapled to the carbon of the letter from Samson to which it is replying. On his return from holiday he states: 'I shall be very happy to take the chair for Sir Rex Cohen, Chairman of Selfridges, when he reads a paper on modern retail trading to the Society on Wednesday, January 13th.'

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