My dear Henry
When Mr Dillwyn <1> was in Town the other day he was very desirous of procuring one of your Calotype portraits <2> for Mr Dawson Turner <3> but he did not think we could write to ask you for one, so I said I would do it. perhaps you may know Mr [illegible deletion] Dawson Turner as he is a Botanist &c I believe he lives at Yarmouth, at least Mr D. said that direction would do. he will be very much gratified if you will send him one. I have seen those you did of Kit <4> but I don’t think they are flattering likenesses I must confess, they look so cross! two of them are like him certainly but from his Sister you will not mind such a faint compliment!
I am hardly ever pleased by a coloured one miniature of any of my friends. –
I daresay the Garden at Carclew <5> is very gay & pretty now. I should like to see it in its Summer dress very much it is a very enjoyable place I think. –
I am just going home after having been in London upwards of three months! an age for me.
Jane <6> is still very weak & unable to commence her journey I am sorry to say, tho’ change of air will do her good when she can get out I am quite convinced.
I am your affate
Coz Mary
Augst 22d
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Carclew
Notes:
1. Either John Dillwyn Llewelyn (1810–1882), Welsh photographer, JP & High Sheriff, or Lewis Weston Dillwyn (1778–1855), Welsh botanist & MP.
2. In August 1841 Henry Collen (1800–1879), miniature painter, calotypist & spiritualist, London, had been the first person to take out a license to practice calotype portraiture. Collen and WHFT worked together and produced several portraits over the summer of 1841. [See Doc. No: 04278].
3. Dawson Turner (1775–1858), botanist, author & banker.
4. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin. Possibly Schaaf 2050, a portrait of two women with parasols, man reclining, below the Oriel Window at Lacock. See NMeM, Bradford, 1937–2646. [See also Doc. No: 04329].
5. Carclew, Cornwall, 3 mi N of Penryn: seat of Sir Charles Lemon.
6. Jane Harriot Nicholl, née Talbot (1796–1874).