3 Challoner Terrace South Shields
Mar 8/59

Sir,

I have had the pleasure of sending off today a copy of my Specification & an Impression which is taken from a Picture by Raphael. – The Impression is the same size as the original. You will at once see, that, produced as they are, the effects may be equally true to the painting, as, in Engraving. While they are produced with comparatively little labour – The process answers well for portraits, which are usually done from photographs, so that while the Likeness is preserved the Sitter is at the Same time saved the trouble of sitting, excepting of course the few seconds required before the Camera. – If it were possible by means of your valuable discovery to convert them into Engraving I think it might prove a valuable addition to the Arts.

I have made several trials of your process, but I am sorry to say I have hitherto failed. The plates I used were Copper. – I prepared them with Gelatine & Bichromate of potash – guessing the proportions, so that I doubt not my failure might be owing to my want of care – I have used them in the same proportions when experimenting on former occasions on paper & always succeeded in obtaining an impression before but I could not make out any image on the Copper when I removed it from the Light – this being the case I did not proceed to the Etching.

I should feel greatly obliged for your opinion & advice

I remain Sir yours respectfully
Robinson Elliott

W. H. Talbot Esq^r

[envelope:]
W. H. Fox Talbot Esq.
Lacock Abbey
Wiltshire