BLANDFORD

The Duke was Winston Churchill's great-great-grandfather. His library at Whiteknights Park was celebrated, and his purchase of the Valdarfer Boccaccio at the 1811 Roxburghe sale was the spur to the formation of the Roxburghe Club. Like the Duke, Cotton was a notable collector of books and autographs. He was generally considered a faintly-ridiculous figure, and condemned men were said to die 'with Cotton in their ears'. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Reads 'Admit Dr.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. A splendid long letter in a close hand, revealing and informative, written a year after Fletcher had completed his masterpiece 'Evicted', painted at Steventon, and the first painting acquired by Queensland Art Gallery in 1895. Addressed to 'My dear Forbes', the letter begins: 'Your letter reached me yesterday having been sent on from home to the above address | Yes! Indeed you have my deepest sympathy.

On piece of watermarked laid paper(12.5 x 20.5 cm). Printed letterhead reminiscent of telegram: headed 'Memorandum' and with 'PARCELS OR GOODS, WOODSTOCK RD. G.W.R.' at foot. In fair condition: lightly ruckled and with the purple ink of the typewritten part bleeding slightly. Five lines of text. He thanks her for her letter. 'Do not on any account come to the Inn at Woodstock to stay the night.