COOKE (Edward William, 1811-1880, Marine Painter, R. A.)

Fine Long Autograph Letter Signed to Henry BICKNELL (1818-1880, Patron of the Arts and Businessman, David Robert's son-in-law), saying that he is "sure you - as one of the most experienced Directors of the Crystal Palace Company - can give me some advice regarding the picture gallery there. Do you think the authorities will like to hang my largest work - The Sussex Glen - with the Hounds rambling about. It is now at Brighton. The Committee of the Free Library and Museum having given it house room, since it was Exhibited at the R^l Pavilion. It seems a pity that a picture of such interest and labour should be hidden away, perhaps with its face to the wall, unseen, & unheeded. It is really a very important work & occupied me during the late months of two autumns. I only want to know whether being so large 8ft 6in; it would be admissable (I could also send two highly finished works of Nile subjects viz Philae & Kaom Ombo if you think desirable. The times latterly have been so depressed, that we Painters feel the effects as much as any class, as our wares are luxuries - as for me I have run away from my connexion. The buyers never see me, & say as Thackeray did Oh he has gone away somewhere ten miles from a lemon!!! The time draws for receiving pictures at the Palace - or rather at St George's Hall, Langham Place ... I will write to Watt after hearing yr opinion - of which I shall be glad at your early convenience. I do so earnestly hope you will find time to run down to see the Dear Old Lady & all I have done here latterly. I am getting very fine collections - orchids & House plants & all kinds of greenhouse beauties, superb grapes & outside a large collection of Conifers reaching 360 specimen & varieties. We are now forming a maple grove in one of the woods ... When my pictures are gone in, & the weather genial you must come ... & stay as long as you will. My dear Mother has been keeping her bedroom with an attach of Bronchitis ...I have been suffering from gout & Rheumatism but am mending - Mary after her attach of asthma went to St Leonards for a month ... Hoping we may soon meet ...", 4 sides 8vo., Glen Andred, Groombridge, Sussex headed paper, 19th February



Item Date:  1879

Stock No:  41624      £175

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