Llandaff
Monday July 24th
My dear Father
Thank you for your letter received this morning. I had bought a Bristol Paper at Bath on Saturday and so learned the result of the election. I see from the Building here that great destruction of Christian art has been and is going on at Rome. There being a rage for Palladianism. <1> It is a pity the mosaics and things cannot be purchased for our Museums instead of being destroyed. The Arundel Society <2> have done a great deal of good in publishing drawings of these works. And some day I think I shall get some of their publications. M Mr Pritchard <3> has just returned. I h Will you let me know when you have Mr Waldron’s <4> answer?
Love to all
Your affect son
Charles.
[envelope:]
H Fox Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Movement in architecture and interior design inspired by the buildings and publications of the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508–1580).
2. The Arundel Society (1848–1897) reproduced works by famous artists to promote public interest in art; named after the art collector Thomas Howard, 2nd earl of Arundel and Surrey (1586–1646).
3. John Prichard, Welsh architect; Charles Henry Talbot apprenticed to.
4. Clement Waldron, attorney, Cardiff.