A collection of letters and notes: 6 autograph letters signed, 5 autograph signed notes, 1 clipped signature, 4 Royal Academy lecture admission cards, 2 newspaper clippings.
Various formats (mostly 4to and small 8vo). Altogether 21 pp.
€ 2,500.00
A collection of letters and clippings that provide a window into the life, works and finances of a Royal Academy painter in the early 19th century. There are two letters to the painter, draughtsman and printmaker Abraham Cooper (1787-1868), one of which provides an interesting perspective on finding a model for paintings: "The bearer of this note is a model that Mr. Shee and myself have just seen, and think so favorably of his figure that I have sent him on to you, as probably you will like to see him on Monday (if you are not engaged) by way of securing his services to the academy".
One letter to Mr. Lackington, sent during his trip to Edinburgh, informing about his work: "I learn that the portrait of the Regent Murray is now in Edinbro' for the purpose of my taking the drawing from it; and that I may have it at my own lodgings whenever I please, so that I hope to set to work this afternoon". Hilton further discusses some paintings that he will see to confirm their authenticity: "I think from the little conversation I have had with Mr. Young, that the portrait of Lennox will not turn out to be original, however I shall have a good opportunity of judging when I see it." He also discusses the authenticity of another painting: "Mr. Miller tells me that there has lately been discovered at Leath, a portrait of the Mother of Queen Mary I mean to see it in the course of a day or two and for my own opinion upon its originality".
Another letter to Joseph Harding, sent from his trip to Wroxton Abbey, again about his own work: "I have commenced my operations at Wroxton Abbey, and am proceeding with the portrait of the Earl of Guilford, the one that hangs over the fire place in the dining room." He continues with a list of all the portraits in Wroxton Abbey, as apparently requested from Harding: "As you desired I would look over the collection, I have spent part of the day in making a list of such portraits as I have been able to make out, perhaps some of them may suit your purpose to have copied - they are chiefly by Holbein". He also asks to borrow ten pounds: being "somewhat inexperienced in living from home, I find that I did not provide myself with a sufficient quantity of cash".
One letter to W. Percy Sr., requesting assistance in "obtaining permission to draw at the British Museum" for a young artist, Mr. Smith. Another letter to Henry Bone to arrange a meeting.
Three notes explaining the subject of his paintings: "Rebecca and Abraham's Servant", "Editha and the Monks Searching for the Body of Harold", "Una seeking shelter in the Cottage of Coreeca", etc.
Along with 2 additional notes, 1 clipped signature, four lecture admission cards with Royal Academy stamp, and 2 newspaper clippings about Hilton's paintings.
Browning, minor stains. Traces of folds to five letters, one with chipped edges.
