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Document number: 4678
Date: 21 Dec 1842
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: WEST William
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number historic: Acc no 28163
Last updated: 20th May 2015

Observatory. Clifton Bristol
Decem 21st 1842

Sir

having been for some time as an Amateur engaged in photographic pursuits I shall feel obliged if you will inform me upon what terms I may be allowed to practice the Calotype or introduce it to the Bristol public.<1> there is in the City the Daguerreotype by a license of the patentee<2> already so that any profit I fear for –

I Remain Sir Your most oblged St
W West

To H. F. Talbot Esqre
Laycock Abbey

W. H F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Wilts

Notes:

1. West had been selling prepared photogenic drawing paper in Bristol - that process was not patented.

2. Although Daguerre's invention was purchased by the French government and was supposedly free to the world, his agents attempted to patent it in England.