22 Gerrard St
May 13 1853
Sir
I enclose proofs of plates received this morning I shall endeavor to get away all you have ordered (including these) tomorrow. they will be finished today, and if dry shall be sent off
The folded muslin is certainly clear, but not bright. I should prefer the darker one, on the one sent this morning you will perceive the “false biting” specks and blobs, outside the subject, would not the brunswick black stop out all chance of this. if the surface were covered to a great extent, mixed freely and worked up with a little turpentine it can be laid on over the ordinary ground very rapidly
May I shew the proofs of such as you consider successful. I should like to send 2 or 3 of the best in your name to Mr De la Rue to Robert Murray <1>, & to Coln Leake. I do not see the Atheneum regularly. when you send a notice again I should be glad to hear of it
A Relative of mine who has retired from business after having engraved all his life, expresses great anxiety to see it carried farther. “The grass is exquisite. I shall be glad to see the process advanced There is the basis of something good”
I regret now myself my want of knowledge in Photography for after all for most purposes the camera will be necessary
Most Respectfully yr Ob St
Geo. Barclay
Notes:
1. Warren De La Rue (1815-1889), astronomer and printer [sometimes Delarue]; Robert Murray (1798–1857), Irish instrument maker, based in London at John Newman; from 1855 photographic partner with Vernon Heath.