36 Porchester Terrace W.
Augt 27 1866
Sir
Several years ago, I had occasion to see one of the plates, on copper, (a view of the Tuileries,) which you had produced by your admirable invention.
I had been requested by M’ Brooker to apply to this plate a surface of Steel by my patent process of “aciérage”, through which means upwards of 2,000 copies were obtained, without any perceptible wear in the plate or even any difference between the first & the last impressions.
I was at the time much Struck with the beautiful result you had arrived at but could not help remarking that, for want, (as appeared to me) of carrying your process just one Stage further, an invention which by this time, ought to have become universally used & most profitable amongst modern discoveries, was allowed by the inventor to remain unfruitful. I felt that by the introduction of some practical Knowledge of the mechanical process of etching & engraving, your plates, as shown to me by M’ Brooker then, might have been brought out with a much more perfect result if I may presume to say so.
I am an historical engraver of many years Standing, & I was then totally unacquainted with the photographic process; since that time I have been extensively engaged in photography & have acquired the process in great completeness.
On calling in Margaret Street on Saturday last I saw a very beautiful plate which, I understand, is one of a series which you are introducing for publication.
Will you allow me though a stranger to you, to make a few remarks on this work in the hope some eventual good may follow them:
Speaking as an engraver of considerable experience in my profession, it appears to me that the plate I have just mentioned presents the Same fine qualities & also stops just short of being a perfect work, the same as its predecessors.
Now, I have read with great attention the Specification of your invention, & I am convinced that with the assistance of a practical engraver, well conversant with etching & the use of acids, you might very soon obtain a result in your works far in advance of the present one.
The motive which has induced me to write to you at once is this: the book trade, which I Know well, are very desirous of seeing a perfect mode of quick & faithful reproduction other than by ordinary engraving, to supply a great want for book illustrations.
A company has just been formed to work out a process called the “Photo Relievo”, a gelatine & carbon process which is not to be named by the side of your invention.
Yet, for want of Something better they will no doubt succeed.
Why should not your process be the one adopted, as soon as it has been made to answer all that is required?
I beg to propose that you will let me operate under your direction & with you, for a week & I firmly believe that a result might be obtained which would soon leave all other attempts a long way behind; what is required in your plates is:
more separation between the tints of the fore & distant grounds, more half tone, better gradation of the darks; with the fine delicacy of details your plates already possess, just imagine what they would be with a better result of light & shades through a better understanding in the application of the etching liquid etc.
You will, I trust excuse my expressing myself thus freely; I am actuated by the great interest & admiration I have long felt for your process & the regret of seeing it comparatively sterile.
M’ Brooker will tell you that you can safely trust to my being able to do what I offer to do; he has Known me for many years & has printed many of my engravings; I believe that you are also acquainted with a Gentleman of great eminence as a Scientific man, M’ Warren De La Rue, who Knows me well & honors me with his friendship.
Let me hope that you will consider this proposition which may lead to a better development of your invention & render it fruitful before your patents become public property, (I speak as a patentee myself)
I shall be very happy if I can be the means of rendering any service to your invention without any view of personal notoriety on my part, being sufficiently honoured by my being admitted to cooperate with a Gentleman of your acquirements, worldwide fame & position
Believe me to remain Sir yours very obediently
F. Joubert
to
Fox Talbot Esqre
Laycock Abbey