LOCH

Watercolour, 17 x 10cm. Laid down on part of a page from an Autograph Album presumed to have been compiled by Marie Eveleen (Mariette; 1871-1933), daughter of the novelist George Meredith and his daughter Marie Eveleen (Mariette; 1871-1933). This album also contained letters to Meredith from major writers including Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, R.L. Stevenson, and Henry James, AND Pencil Sketch of Young Woman, Head and something of her shoulde by Lawrence Alma-Tadema described elsewhere on my inventory.

On 4 x 9.5cm piece of paper. In fair condition, aged, and with rust staining from staple to left of signature.

On three sides of a vellum bifolium supplied by the London law stationers Witherby & Co. Dimensions of leaf 39 x 26 cm. In good condition, lightly aged and creased. The document is a draft, with several emendations in pencil, including a lengthy addition in the margin of first page, and a shorter one on the second page. Laid out in customary style, within red rules. Docketed on fourth side: 'Dated 15th August 1914 | The Earl of Ducie and Others | to | The Earl of Ducie and Others | Red Cross Garden | Assignment'. With stamp of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, signed by Hugh de Bock Porter.

2pp., 12mo. 40 lines. Bifolium. Good, on aged paper. The reverse of the second leaf carries half of a red wax seal, as well as the address to 'James Loch Esqr | Bloomsbury Square'. The letter begins: 'My dear Loch | Some friends of mine from the Country are desirous of seeing Lord Stafford's & Lord Grosvenor's pictures some time next week; & they understand that the obtaining of Tickets is not a matter of course but that some little interest is necessary.' He asks for assistance 'with regard to Cleveland House [...] for Mrs Johnston & party (about 5 or 6 persons)'.