Item 11 - Letter from Michael Rysbrack to Sir Edward Littleton

2 sheets

With Littleton family at Teddesley Park, Staffordshire, until July 1932, when it was put up for auction at Spink & Son (along with the bust of Newton mentioned in the letter).

Gift of Thomas Dalmahoy Barlow, July 1932 (with the Newton bust).

London, Vere Street, 'near Oxford Chappel'. Sent to Sir Edward Littleton at Fedgeley [Teddesley?] Coppice, Staffordshire. - Apologises for not finishing any more busts. Has had to finish the statue of the Duke of Somerset and some other things to keep his men at work. Has finished four busts for Littleton: Milton; Sir Isaac Newton; Locke; and Bacon; now promises to begin that of Sir Walter Raleigh. Describes work and reason for delays.

Has called on Mr Wilson to see the portrait of Littleton's wife, as Littleton desired, and likes it very much. Ends with wishes for good health of both Littletons.

Full transcript of letter in Esdaile, Katharine Ada, The Art of John Michael Rysbrack in Terracotta : Illustrated Catalogue / Compiled by Mrs. Arundell Esdaile (London: Spink, 1932) p. 8 - along with that of 22 other letters from Rysbrack to Littleton included in the 1932 auction.

Originally given shelf-mark O.15.43/3; card notes that it was taken out by 'A.K.' in Mar. 1987; later given reference Add MS a/292/11.