DAVID OCTAVIUS HILL
Archive of three Autograph Letters SIGNED, two to fellow painters, David Roberts and Edward William Cooke and one to engineer, inventor and artist, James Nasmyth, each on blind embossed "Royal Scottish Academy of Painting & Sculptor" folded stationery, 8vo, Edinburgh, each dated July 17, 1862, and each with Royal Scottish Academy envelope bearing the Academy's embossed emblem.
Hill writes to painters David Roberts and Edward William Cooke, and engineer, inventor and artist, James Nasmyth. Each is a letter of introduction for James Lorimer Graham, an American diplomat and book collector. Lorimer had also amassed a large collection of letters by contemporary luminaries with whom he corresponded. Hill refers to Grahams' acquaintance with notables in art and literature of his time. Graham had the letters bound in several volumes all of which were lost in a shipwreck. After his death, Graham's book collection was donated to his club in New York, The Century Association.
Hill introduces Graham to fellow artist, David Roberts (1796-1864) in a two page letter written on first and second sides. "I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Mr. Graham and his lady during their [?] residence in Edinburgh. He is [?] interested in art & artists - in literary men and their works...." Hill refers to an "Exhibition" which he describes as "excellent." He signs, "D. O Hill." Hill writes to Edward William Cooke, (1811-1880), English landscape and marine painter, offering a similar explanation of who Graham is and signs, "D. O Hill." Hill writes the third letter to Scottish engineer and artist, James Nasmyth ((1808-90), best remembered for his invention of the steam hammer. Nasmyth shared with Hill an interest in photography. Hill opens his letter with humorous reference to Nasmyth's hammer, "My Dear Hamish of the Hammer." Hill mentions that Graham is a friend of Nasmyth's, "favorite author Washington Irving. - and one who knows...all the good authors & artists of America...." Hill signs, "D O Hill." Hill's tight handwriting gets smaller as he seems to squeeze his words into one page. The last lines and signature are compressed. Hill has written, "presented by J. Lorimer Graham...." in the lower left corner of each envelope.
Condition: horizontal and vertical folds visible in each letter, some soiling to the three envelopes along with slight wear to the black borders.
Item #4289
Price: $1,400.00