22 Gerrard St
Augt 31/52
Sir
I have seen a press this morning of the smaller sise [sic] here enumerated at the price attached it will print any plate whose smallest side is two inches less that is 14 inches.
It does not appear to me to be difficult of erection, and if you found after getting it down to Lacock Abbey you could not set it up, it would be easy to send for a man
I am not surprised at your success for in your time is easy to conclude you have had much greater difficulties to overcome but I am pleased that my rough unpremeditated hints should have been of use, more especially as aquatint like mezzotint is more difficult to print well than the engraving
You will find great facility in clearing off the superfluous ink by making the plate warm. we [sic] do it on an iron table over a small charcoal fire. have [sic] you anything that will act as a substitute for this or must we send you down one. it [sic] is absolutely necessary to have some degree of warmth in the plate for printing, but you must have a cold plate for a plaster cast
Does your plaster impression bear comparison with the proofs and do you succeed in getting them alike if so you will require but little tuition from a workman
The press is just finished and quite ready and Messrs Sherwood of Aldersgate Street could send it away at two or 3 hours notice and a man down if you want one the day or day but one after
Most Respectfully Yr [illegible]
Geo Barclay
[with a copy of specification of an iron copperplate press, with prices]
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham Wilts