Art and Architecture

Architect (1880-1939), son of Sir Aston Webb, designer of Admiralty Arch, the Victoria Memorial, etc. All ten items very good. Five docketed and six bearing R.S.A. stamp. All ten signed 'Maurice E. Webb'. An interesting and important correspondence, mainly concerning the renovation of the R.S.A.'s Adelphi building.

Museum Curator and Authority on Ceramics (see DNS). Total, two pages, good condition. (5 May 1925) "I have handed on your enquiry to Mr. A.J. Koop, my colleague who deals with cloisonne enamels. My own concern with enamelling is limited to painted enamels." (20 May) He expresses pleasure at being invited to judge "the designs for pottery and glass at the forthcoming competition of the Society of Arts. . ." Two items,

British stage designer (died 1971), painter, writer and lecturer. Both items one page, octavo, and very good, though lightly creased. Both signed 'Maxwell Armfield'. LETTER ONE (docketed and bearing R.S.A. stamp): He has read the lecture by 'Mr. Davis', 'with great interest [...] our opinions on the subject seem to be identical! I should like to meet him some time if he is an accessible sort of person. [...] a series of such lectures issued as pamphlets with attractive titles would do a great deal towards a better understanding of the problem'.

Wood-engraver. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. "I have just received yr last two drawings. / I will have these drawn I think, for photography gives a coat to the wood and when you think your tints are too light - you find them too dark. / With regard to the Beach cut I am persuaded that in printing it will now come very near the original, the colours of which I think you must have forgotten, and I have written to Mr Smiles (who seems to wish to get on without the subject) to try it at press - now it has been more finished - which I trust you will also approve. . . . PS.

Architect (DNB). Two pages, 4to, marke and soiled but text clear and complete, laid down by conjugate blank leaf. He accepts their tender for "Plates & crown glass proposed to be furnished . . . to His Royal Highness the Duke of York, subject to " a satisfactory sample to the Clerk of Works "at the Buildings". He asks for prompt delivery of the sample so that the works may proceed immediately . He invites another tender, giving details.

Furniture Historian. Two letters SIGNED by Macquoid,one by amanuensis (he apologises for this - unwell). 3 pages, 4to, and 4 pages 8vo, good condition. He discusses matters which relate to their work on "A History of English Furniture" for which Slocombe provided illustrations - progress on a task; plans, wishes; contact with owners/aristos ;travels; suggestions; a sketch of a table; and so on. WITH: a page of notes in Slocombe's hand headed "oak furniture I am to paint"; a typed letter with ms.

Architect (1849-1930). Some personal papers of Aston Webb's including Probates of his will (donations to the V & A, etc.) a copy typescript of his will, insurance policies, two cheques (conceivably his last -signed on his behalf by his wife), certification concerning a burial plot (Hastings) and a monument (kensington) and an Autograph Letter Signed, 2pp., 8vo, from Webb to a Mr Baxter (solicitor), 26 Nov. 1929, concerning the codicils to his will. An unusual view of a distinguished architect's personal finances. Eleven items,

Printed address, headed notepaper. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. Russell Flint is responding to a letter from Mackenzie (attached, copy Typed Letter, one page, 4to, 26 April 1949- saying that he (Mackenzie) has circularised friends in the Press asking them to urge readers to buy water-colours as "a jolly good investment". Mackenzie also comments on the neglect of the teaching of water-colour painting in the schools, and its consequences. Russell Flint approves and has wanted to meet up but been busy with the RA Private View et al.

Pickersgill (1782-1875) and Uwins (1782-1857) were both English artists who exhibited at the Royal Academy. Very good, on a piece of grey paper roughly two inches by four. From a collection of Autograph Signatures cut from petitions to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund. Blank reverse.

Original pencilled cartoon of an old lady drinking champagne, c.1.75" x 3.25". It is unsigned but is drawn on the back of a place card (for a dinner) with Harry Furniss's name on the front. It has, at some time, been separated from a group of such cards (so states a substantial description acccompanying the item) collected by the surgeon Sir James Paget who collected such things at functions of the Royal Academy of Arts.

Printed., 13"(w) x 26" (l), fold marks, sl. chipped, good. SIGNED "Reginald Blomfield R.A./ Sept. 1916/ New Court, Temple". Apparently a new a station which was never built. Instead the site eventually became the setting for the Festival Of Britain.

Artist and illustrator (1878-1957). (Complete letter, 1919) Three pages, 4to, fold marks, sl. damage but text complete and clear. A detailed letter giving information about Wood's post-war activities and "busyness"), current projects, his toy manufactory, etc. He received this letter from a prospective collaborator via his agents, Messrs Francis <& Hills?>. He asks if he has left "Valley"[?].

Behnes (died 1864) was a sculptor, and Robins (1778-1847) a flamboyant auctioneer. Very good, on piece of paper roughly two inches by three and a half. From a collection of Autograph Signatures cut from petitions to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund. Blank reverse.

English engraver (1804-66). One page, octavo. Good, on slightly discoloured paper with spike hole at centre. Addressed to 'Mr. Moon' on verso of second leaf of bifoliate, which has a hole from the breaking of a wafer which still adheres. Reads 'I've taken the liberty of leaving for your inspection a few specimens of my stile of engraving - your brother Mr.

English artist and illustrator (1820-1912). Swain (1820-1909) was a noted wood-engraver, and the letter concerns his possible employment by Macquoid. Two pages, 12mo. Good, but on discoloured paper, heavily sunned along one edge and browning in one corner, with small closed tear at top of fold. Swain's price 'for Blocks will do - £8. 8. 0 for full page & £6. 6. 0 for front page -'. He has seen Williams 'who was very polite & promised me some work'. Williams is 'going to be married soon - wh: he said wd. "come in the way" of drawings at present'. Signed Thos. R. Macquoid'.

English artist (1890-1978). His wife, Yvonne Kapp, published four novels under the pseudonym Yvonne Cloud. One page, octavo. Very good, though a little creased and with dogeared corners. Reads 'Dear Mr. Wilson, | It is good of you to have taken so much trouble - I am greatly obliged to you. The lists have gone off to Berlin to-day. | All my thanks - & good wishes for a restful holiday'. Signed 'Edmond X. Kapp'.

English author and politician (1797-1833), whose efforts resulted in the formation of the National Gallery. Colnaghi (1751-1833) was the leading printseller of the period. One page, quarto. Good, on slightly discoloured paper with traces of previous mount adhering to reverse. A formal letter in the third person. 'Mr Agar Ellis would be much obliged to Mr Colnaghi if he would procure for him the German prints in outline for "Ondine", published at Nuremberg - Also the Prints in the same style for the German play of "Faust".

Anglo-Irish journalist and caricaturist (1854-1925), best known for his work for Punch. Three pages, 12mo. Very good, but with slight wear and discoloration to recto of first leaf of bifoliate. Asks to 'know the fate of Miss Lyster's M.S.' 'You will recollect I called & saw you about it some months ago. She is anxious you should understand you can have the M.S. without the drawings as you did not seem <?> for the latter | An answer will much oblige | Yours very truly | [signed] Harry Furniss'.

One page, quarto. Poor, on creased, discoloured paper, with two punch holes in left-hand margin and short closed tears along the central fold. 'It is as well that you underlined your name in print, for I cannot detect the faintest resemblance between it and your signature. Is this the fault of my imperfect eyes or your powerful hand? | As to your humorist - I think the Forceps Saga is funny, but Punch has a number of people who do things rather like it. Still, he should certainly let the Editor see this specimen together with something new.

The title "Ghouls Jan 25" appears at the bottom and Furse's name and a date in the 1920s appears in the right-hand margin. Size circa 21 x 35cms, small tear on left, some creasing, mainly good condition, laid down on same-size paper. On the tombstone (blank in the middle until written in), the artist has inscribed his name in pencil over the final part of a faintly written (but mainly decipherable) menu which starts with "Hors d'oeuvres" and goes through fish, meat and icecream dishes. The inscription is as follows: "to my friend H. Brabazon. / Charles W. Furse".

Miniature painter and chemist (1802-75) with Carlisle and Newcastle connections. The recipient (1794-1860) was a miniature-painter and member of the Royal Academy. Both letters in poor condition, on discoloured, worn and stained paper, but with no loss to text. In LETTER ONE (two pages, 12mo) he states his willingness to meet Ross 'to talk over the matter to whicy your letter of yesterday refers', undertaking to 'enage with Mr. Thorburn to meet us'.

British historical painter (1806-70). The recipient (1793-1865) was President of the Royal Academy, 1850-65. Dimensions of paper roughly four and a half inches by two. Good though creased. Reads '<...> | Very faithfully your's | Danl Maclise | Sir C. L. Eastlake PRA & & &'.

Anglo-Irish sculptor (1842-1924). One page, quarto. Good, on slightly discoloured paper. The embossment has been gone over in light blue pencil to bring it up. A couple of manuscript marks by Bruce-Joy for emphasis. Begins Offers to show his correspondent the 'colossal Statue of Mr. Oliver Heywood, which I have lately completed in the marble' (leaving for Manchester 'in a few days'), as well as 'the finished marble Statue of Mr. Whitley, M.P., for St.

English painter and sculptor (1781-1841). The recipient (1780-1860) was an English artist of Swiss descent. One page, quarto. Good, but with traces of previous brown-paper mount adhering to rear and minor damage to several corners. Reads 'My Dear Sir | When I asked you for an impression I had not seen the composition & had no idea that I was asking so much - believe me I feel very grateful for your kindness in putting me in possession of so very interesting a work - I do not mean to be understood as speaking of Lithography only.

English architect (1849-1930), designer of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Admiralty Arch and the new front of Buckingham Palace; President of the Royal Academy, 1919-24. The recipient (1867-1935) was a courtier, Private Secretary to Queen Victoria. One page, quarto. Good, though grubby and creased, and with one small grease stain in bottom right-hand corner (not affecting text). 'The arrangement of the Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy will be completed and the Galleries ready for the Royal Private View on Thursday the 1st.

Architectural draughtsman (1780-1847). Three pages, quarto. Good, but heavily folded and with some loss to second leaf of bifoliate from breaking of red wax seal, the remains of which still adhere. Addressed, with postmarks, on verso of second leaf of bifoliate 'Robt. Rising Esq | Horsey. | To the Care of Robert Cory Junr Esq | Yarmouth'. Rising, of Horsey Hall, was a Norfolk landowner, and Cory (1776-1840) an antiquary. A long and interesting letter. He regrets that he has been unable to spend 'a few happy hours with you and of doing justice to the Chief Magistrate of that Gt.

Irish portrait painter (1769-1850), President of the Royal Academy, 1830-50. The recipient (1780-1860) was another portraitist. Two pages, 12mo. Very good. A grovelling apology. 'Judge of my remorse, and the extent of my self-reproach, when, though an Irishman, I have not the face even to attempt an apology!

English artist (1809-42). One page, quarto, with the second leaf of the bifoliate bearing the address ('To | William Haines Esqr.. | Sol[icito]r. | Cannon Street | Birmingham'), with the remains of a red wax seal, and two postmarks. Discoloured, and with damp stains causing discoloration and damage to the paper, but not affecting the legibility of the text. Small spike hole through both leaves, not affecting text. Having been 'from home yestereday on a painting expidition' he could not acknowledge Haines' letter sooner.

Art historian, designer and founder of department store (1872-1959). Both items very good though somewhat dusty. One docketed and both bearing the Society's stamp. ITEM ONE (one page, quarto, 7 October 1918). He encloses (not present) a letter he has received from a woman named Evelyn James. 'I do not know what facilities you have for getting publicity but Miss James has done a good deal of this kind of thing and done it very well. She is a thoroughly capable young woman.' Her help may be sought regarding the meeting on 28 October.

Art critic. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He informs his correspondent of his belief that S.H. Sime, illustrator and artist, is still alive [in fact died 1941 re. George Locke]. H e runs obver the main events of Sime's life getting a small fortune, starting life as a coal miner, "fantastic imagination", "Pick-me-up", art editor of "The Idler", collaboration with Arthur Lawrence, Dunsany books, blossome as a painter, retirement from "life and publicity, rappeared at the St George's Gallery. Konody then lost sight of him.