22 Gerrard St
May 19 1853
Sir
When I opened the plates,<1> I was you may be sure pleasingly surprised at the result No 1 & 2 looked beatiful [sic], but in the impression they are surpassed by No 3 in effect though not in truth. No 3 where it is a little strong the lines on each side the fibre are so close as to have the appearance of one, yet where it is a little less bit how exquisitely sharp it brings out the fibre towards the [illegible] extremity it is elegant in the extreme
I perceive you have been etching the figures and the bell is very fine and clear that is no raggedness or break then of course a line could be etched in for character by a shadow line to the outside of the leaf and to each fibre – this would make No 2 bit enough I suppose this could be added behind a yellow blind as in Photography without deterioration of the ground
The figure No 2 although the leaf is bit lightest comes out strongest this arises from pressure in writing it no doubt
The proofs have been a job of more than ordinary trouble. Messrs Hughes <2> for this purpose should have had the plates bevilled at least finished which these were not I had therefore to file them myself, putting them into the hands of a common workman was out of the question. I had also to attempt removing some of your false bitings and other accidents on copper a comparatively easy job on Steel one of time and never satisfactory I mention this as well that your attention may be turned to prevention as better than cure.
Every print has been taken with all the attention of a proof and though the result is not so obvious yet the time is consumed and in these necessarily, the difference in [illegible] in these has not so material an effect on the time
The slightness of depth, again evident in the prints I now send will not admit of any contempt of care, but they can be printed in a more offhand manner at a less price again so thick a paper will make a heavy book. here [sic] would be a double saving for less weight in paper is less cost, and less trouble to printer, and yet the work would have a good and substantial appearance – making these alterations would reduce the cost one third – further reduction could be obtained at the sacrifice of appearance –
Most Respectfully Yr Obt St
Geo Barclay
Notes:
1. WHFT's experimental photographic engraving plates.
1. Of Hughes & Kimber, Red Lion Passage, Fleet Street; WHFT obtained many plates from them.