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Document number: 4565
Date: 06 Aug 1842
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: HUNT Robert
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number historic: LA42-55
Last updated: 30th April 2012

Falmouth
August 6 – 1842

Sir

although I have not pursued the beautiful path opened by you, with any view to profit by its novelties, Yet my circumstances in life render it imperative that I should if possible turn my little Scientific knowledge to worldly advantage. Indeed it is only by doing so that I shall be enabled to pursue researches which are, to me, of the highest interest. I should therefore be glad to enter into some arrangement with you for working the Calotype <1> in this county. I do not immagine [sic] that any licence for Falmouth alone would be other than a losing speculation. I must tell you candidly that I have considerably improved my own process, with the Ferro-cyanate of Potash, <2> and it is only the difficulty of effectually fixing the Negative pictures which have [sic] prevented my trying the public with this process. I feel flattered by your kindness in applying to me before giving an answer to the applicant <3> of whom you speak. I assure you I shall much esteem an early answer informing me on what terms you will allow of my working your very interesting process.

I am Sir yours most respectfully & obediently
Robert Hunt

H. F Talbot Esqr


Notes:

1. The Calotype was patented and WHFT was actively trying to sell licenses for different regions, especially for portraiture.

2. True cyanates are uncommon and rather unstable; Hunt and his contemporaries were actually working with potassium ferrocyanide. Hunt tried a range of different chemical variations of the 'Calotype' process, and other photographic processes, such as the Daguerreotype. His endeavors were published as an overview of existing photographic processes in, A popular treatise on the art of photography, including daguerréotype, and all the new methods of producing pictures by the chemical agency of light (Glasgow: Griffin, 1841). See also Doc. No: 04327.

3. Probably Henry Collen (1800–1879), miniature painter, calotypist & spiritualist, London, who, in August 1842, became the first person licensed to practice calotype portraiture.

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