MARTIN (Albinus, 1791-1871, Architect and Engineer)

Autograph Letter signed to Alfred Ellis, (1821-1879, son of John Ellis of the Midland Railway), saying he has received "the note on the other leaf [present] from Lucas' son ... [John] Lucas", 1807-1874, "was busy at a portrait of Sir John [Tyrrell] last year. I suppose he has been suddenly called down to ... put a flush of joyous colour into the face of the Bucolic Baronet now that the Tories are in again", Alfred's father "is a fine subject for the painter & bad as modern dress is the change made since West painted Wm. Penn and ... his father & mother is all in the right direction", Martin suggests making him "put his hat on and get a kind of Rembrandt effect by the shadow ... this would not do for the Railway Directors nor perhaps for the family ... the treatment of costume in a portrait is no small difficulty ... I cherish your cordial invitation ... If Edward Ellis", Alfred's eldest brother, "says a word against the Yankees let him name his weapons" (14th March 1858), with on the third side an Autograph Letter Signed 'W. Lucas Junior' to Martin saying that his father "was suddenly called away from town yesterday, he is now at Chelmsford staying at Sir J. Tyrrell's [sic], I ... have no doubt you will hear from him" (13th March 1858), in all 3 sides 8vo., Brighton and 3 St. John's Wood Road, 13th - 14th March

Martin was architect, with S. Beasley, of the first English Opera House in Wellington Street, Strand, opened in June 1816. He was manager and resident engineer of the London and Southampton Railway, 1836-1849.
John Ellis was an early railway enthusiast, and projected the third line in England, from Swannington to Bagworth, Leicestershire, opened in July 1832. He was Chairman of the Midland Railway 1849-1858.
The last Sir John Tyrrell, Bart., of Springfield, near Chelmsford, died in 1766 when the baronetcy became extinct, so Lucas senior would appear to be touching up a historical portrait.

Item Date:  1858

Stock No:  15111      £65

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