Oxford. Jan 13. 1845
Dear Sir
A Mr Richardson, <1> a very clever artist here, to whom I shewed the Talbotypes you were so good as to give me, wishes to know whether you would grant him a license for the use of the patent right, in Oxford, and on what terms. He excels in architectural drawing and thinks that the Talbotype would not only save him a world of trouble in taking views, but would also save him time, and give him, in a moment, what now costs him days to work in, – I mean, the details.
This gentleman is an intelligent man as well as a clever artist. He lithographs admirably. – All this I mention because I think your invention would have justice done to it in his hands. Without artistical skill and a certain degree of ability at manipulation, the invention might not work well, and the failure would probably be thrown, not on the inefficient artist, but the Talbotype itself.
Perhaps you will favor me with an answer at your Earliest convenience.
Faithfully Yours
R. Shelton MacKenzie
H. Fox Talbot Esq
[envelope:]
H Fox Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Joseph Vickers Richardson (1803-1880), a landscape painter and self-styled 'Professor' of Drawing and Painting, at 20, Magdalen St, opposite the Martyrs' Monument. WHFT offered to call on him, but did not immediately agree to discuss a license - see Doc. No: 08381