Corsham <1>
June 26th
1839.
Sir,
Having been much interested in the accounts wh I have read of your newly discovered Photogenic drawing <2> I have endeavorred to prepare the paper and make the drawings according to directions given in different periodicals but although I have succeeded in making the prepared paper and in impressing the most accurate representations of the objects I have wished to copy yet I have hitherto been unable to fix them and although I have used the Tincture of Sesquichloride of Iron recommended in the Mirror of Literature <3> and Amussement [sic] have hitherto found nothing but disappointment; Under these circumstances I have taken the liberty of writing to yourself Sir feeling assured it will give you pleasure to be of use to one who is very anxious to benefit by your instructions on this head And trusting to your Candour and Kindness of heart to pardon me by for thus troubling you I should feel very grateful for you kindly informing me what means I have better adopt – for the purpose of fixing these beautiful but as I have hitherto found thus very evervescent drawings
I am Sir Very respectfully yours
Chas Halloran
To Talbot Esqre
Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Notes:
1. Corsham Court, Wiltshire, 3 mi NW of Lacock: seat of Ld Methuen.
2. Although little is known about Halloran or whether he ever succeeded in photography, he was soon to become Secretary of the Corsham Literary & Philosophical Society - see [See Doc. No: 03904].
3. The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction published a ‘Fac-simile of a Photogenic Drawing’. “This was not a photomechanical reproduction, but rather a wood engraver’s skillful interpretation”. For more information on this image see Larry J Schaaf, Sun Pictures Catalogue 12: Talbot and Photogravure (New York: Hans P. Kraus, Jr, Inc., 2003), p. 18. [See Doc. No: 03873].