35 Grosvenor Road,
Highbury New Park N.
March 22nd 1873. <1>
H. Fox Talbot Esq.
D.C.L., F.R.S.
Dear Sir,
Amongst a lot of photographs which Sir Charles Wheatstone has put into my hands for inspection and description I find some early examples of Stereo-photographs taken by yourself for use in the reflecting Stereoscope – We have the following amongst them, viz: –
Statue of Ariadne
A Silver Jug
Table with fruit & flowers
A model with Grecian portico
Apollo, Diomed, &c
Sir Charles cannot give me the date of these, but possibly, the enclosed photo of certain building operations will enable you to fix the year.
I am to give an account of these & other early photographs at the next meeting of the Photogc Society and perhaps you will not think it too much trouble to favour me with a reply.
I see that all these Stereo-illustrations were taken at very wide angles of view which were supposed then to be necessary in order to give relief.
In your letter will you kindly say what was the date of publication of “The Pencil of Nature”, and what the number of plates –
We are proud of your connection with us as an Honorary Member of the Photographic Society – The Rules had to be altered or the Election would have taken place much earlier –
I am, Sir Yours faithfully
John Spiller.
P.S. I send of course one of the worst pictures in the series since it has to be folded – Some of the others are very brilliant – <2>
[envelope - 'Photographic Society London' on rear flap:]
H. Fox Talbot Esq., DCL., F.R.S.
Lacock Abbey
near Chippenham
4 Circus.
Bath
Notes:
1. The 22nd was a Saturday, and apparently this was dispatched after the closing of the post, hence, postmarked on the following Monday. Two postage stamps were affixed to the envelope.
2.The enclosure has not been located.