Edward Burne-Jones letter to Cormell Price, 1856 May 18

Burne-Jones begins the letter with the following declaration: "Mr Jones begs respectfully to inform the public that he executes pictures of the most chaste and unique description upon the most reasonable terms." He then lists prices for a variety of types of drawings, including "love scenes, executed in bold style, indian ink" (5 shillings) and "full length caricature" (2 shillings and sixpence). He goes on to announce that he is "desirous of forming classes for the reading of Ruskin." Burne-Jones says that if Price were in London, he would see the streets "placarded" with such announcements before he gives up the joke, commenting "no you wouldn't, what lies I tell."

Burne-Jones says he is "desolate" because William Fulford has "gone to Hill's" for a few days. He says that he has taken a 12-mile walk in the rain and plans to "write letters and be miserable" for the rest of the day or "go and join the mob in Hyde Park." He asks Price to write to him often and to encourage Charlie Faulkner and "Dickides" (Richard Watson Dixon?) to do the same.

Burne-Jones says he has received a note from "Topsy" (William Morris) recommending that he see Arthur Hughes's April Love. Burne-Jones says he plans to visit the Royal Academy the following morning to see it. He asks Price to give Morris his love. Burne-Jones offers his love to "all the set" and sketches a heart surrounded by their names (Willie, Harry, Dickides, Hatch, Charlie, Puckle, Oakley and Guest) so that Price "forget[s]none." Sketch measures 5 x7 cm.