Dobson, W. C. T. (William Charles Thomas), 1817-1898

Scope and Contents: "Ap: 19 '74. My dear Mr Lewis, Many thanks for your kind letter; and I have no doubt the R. Academy will wish to support a petition with so good an object. I saw Dobson last evening and he told me the council were not busy now, so that maybe they will take notice of this matter. I grieve to have such a poor account of you from yourself. After such a long habit of close work to be denied it is indeed a loss. But the loss belongs to us all almost more than to you. It will give me great...

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Dobson writes to invite Redgrave to his house in Hampstead and gives him directions via train. Dobson states that Samuel Redgrave? [Redgrave's brother] will attend. Dobson acknowledges how busy Redgrave is but hopes that he can also attend. A postscript on the last page asks Redgrave to mention to Samuel[?] Redgrave [Redgrave's brother] that Dobson has been sending his post to 17 Hyde Park Gate.

Scope and Contents: "My Dear Redgrave, I regret the case you mention. […] mistaken, did not once infer at our last meeting - I was not aware there is a vacancy on the Turner[?] […] as you received[?] this case I am quite sure it is a […] one & shall feel much pleasure in supporting it. I ought to have written to you at once[?] to say the Council have appointed Stokes[?] and myself with you if we can possibly get your assistance & see to the putting[?] of the [...] works & these frames in good...

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"My dear Redgrave, The Council have decided to return the two pictures belonging to the Queen immediately. I understand you want these sent to […] would you kindly send an order to that effect to Mr. Eaton? Yours very sincerely, W.J. Dobson." [A note on the reverse of the letter in Redgrave's hand reads: "Mr. Dobson R.A. 2 Hampton Court pictures to be sent to Bullers order sent to Mr. Eaton.]

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"Dear Redgrave, Sir Francis Grant has promised to dine with us on Wednesday 28th just at 7 - & I hope you will also give us the pleasure of your company. Yours Faithfully, W.J. Dobson."

Abstract: The collection comprises 15 letters from Thomas Woolner to John Frederick Lewis, written between 1874 and 1876. It also includes 5 letters from Woolner to Lewis’s wife, Marian Harper, one letter from Lewis to dealer William Vokins, and several letters from Woolner’s wife and daughter. The letters primarily concern Lewis’s declining health—he died several months after the last letter in the collection—Woolner’s admiration for Lewis’s painting, updates on the politics of the Royal Academy and...