122 Regent St <1>
15th Feby 1851
To H F Talbot Esqr
Sir
30 feet of wall space has been allotted to us but there seems some doubt as to its real extent. I have written to ask when it can be seen. I am told that a wall may mean nothing but empty space between the pillars; the objects exhibited to be suspended in the air.<2>
I do not think we shall send more than 50 good pictures. We are constantly using the microscopic camera so I regret we cannot send it to you. If you can oblige us with the negatives of the enclosed list<3> we should prefer them to positives: as we are particular about the tint of the latter. but if this is not convenient then we will try to alter the colour, of the positives you may send – with caustic Potash – but we should prefer the negatives.
Perhaps you have subjects finer or more interesting than those selected. In any case we shall feel obliged by your sending us anything that pleases yourself. we shall be glad of them soon that we may decide on the size of the frame to receive them. –
You most obedt Servt
T A Malone
[envelope:]
H F Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. 122 Regent Street, London: base of Nicolaas Hennemans’ Talbotype or Sun Picture Rooms, later the firm of Henneman & Malone, photographers to the Queen.
2. This was for their entry in the Great Exhibition of 1851.
3. List not located.