MILLAIS (Sir John Everett, 1829-1896, Pre-Raphaelite Painter)

Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent saying that he "will find me at home any evening at ½ past 9 & happy to sign Chick..(?) proofs ...", 1 side 8vo., 2 Palace Gate, Kensington, 27th June

Millais purchased the site at No. 2 Palace Gate in March 1873, selecting the suburb of Kensington for his new home. Although not yet fully established, Kensington was rapidly becoming a colony for artists. This site offered not only large lots of land in an area that was still pollution-free, but also afforded him the ability to easily visit other artists, share props, and attract potential patrons. Millais's friend Philip Charles Hardwick (1822-1892) completed the designs for the house in 1873, and in 1876 the palace builders Cubitt & Co. finished its construction. Italianate in style, plain and "old-fashioned," Millais's house differed from the Queen Anne-revival style preferred in Kensington. Many of Millais's admirers insisted that this style suited its owner.

Item Date:  1882

Stock No:  41092      £150

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