Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Sheila Meyers is William & Mary class of 1978, and her husband, Terry L. Meyers, William & Mary Chancellor Professor of English, Emeritus.
Collection is arranged into four series: Correspondence, Manuscripts, Original Art, and Miscellaneous. The first three series are arranged in alphabetical order by creator's (letter writer, artist, author) last name, with chronological order used when there are multiple items in the same folder from the same creator.
Algernon Charles Swinburne was an English writer of poetry, drama, novels and criticism. Educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford, Swinburne interacted closely with his contemporaries in the Pre-Raphaelite circle, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. His publications include Poems and Ballads (1866), Essays and Studies (1875); monographs on William Shakespeare, Ben Johnson, Victor Hugo, William Blake, Percy Shelley and Charles Baudelaire; and a posthumously published novel, Lesbia Brandon. Swinburne's work is known for its rebellion against Victorian mores, and he was nominated multiple times for the Nobel Prize for Literature. In the late 1870s, he retired to The Pines, in Putney, London, at the intervention of his friend Theodore Watts-Dunton. Swinburne died at The Pines in 1909.
Collection provides insight into the life of Algernon Charles Swinburne and his contemporaries, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Frederick Sandys, Theodore Watts-Dunton, William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, Lucy Madox Brown, William Michael Rossetti, and William Sharp. Materials include handwritten letter and autograph of Queen Victoria; Vanity Fair caricature of Swinburne by Carlo Pelligrini, pseudonym Ape; letters from siblings Christina, William Michael and Dante Gabriel Rossetti; Thomas Woolner; Matilde and Karl Blinde; Frederic Harrison; Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and John Ruskin; and two original art works of Swinburne
Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Correspondence arranged in alphabetical order by letter writer's last name. Folders with multiple letters from the same writer are arranged chronologically.
Over 150 pieces of handwritten and typescript carbon copy correspondence from nineteenth and twentieth century artists, writers, educators, scholars, editors, and politicians. Correspondents include Algernon Charles Swinburne; Queen Victoria; siblings Christina, William Michael and Dante Gabriel Rossetti; Thomas Woolner; Matilde and Karl Blinde; Frederic Harrison; William Morris;Elizabeth Sewell; John Everett Millair; Alfred and Emily Tennyson; and John Ruskin.
Correspondence reveals collegial and familial connections between members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their contemporary Victorian literary and artistic circles.
Letter dated 19 April 1898. Declines an invitation from "Mr. Tree." Sender's address printed as 20 Cavendish Square W.
Herbert Henry Asquith was the British prime minister from 1908-1916.
Letter dated 1 July 1886. Writes Swinburne about poem in the Times newspaper. Also comments on British politics and the "would-be Destroyer" of England which included "the newest pool of Separatists and Slaves of the priesthood – of this truly 'sin-bad' Old Man who has got astride from upon her neck – of this Caesarean Demagogue who, in alliance with Charles Stewart Parnell [Irish nationalist politician], would fain act as a Charles Stuart…" Sender's address printed in red: 3 Winchester Road, South Hampstead, NW.
Blind was a German political writer and stepfather of fellow writer Mathilde Blind.
Bult of correspondence from Blind to Theodore Watts-Dunton, with one letter to Algernon Charles Swinburne.
Letters are dated between 1875-1895.
Mathilde Blind was a German-born English writer and critic. Her stepfather was political writer Karl Blind.
Asks, "Have you taken any steps as yet about the MS [manuscript] I sent you, and can you tell me whether everything is definitively settled with regard to Mr. Brookes' adaptation of the place?" Senders address is 42 Marley Street.
Writes concerning research done on Tristan and Iseult tragedy; mentions "Gottfried Von Strassburg's version" and shared the translation "although I believe you know all the incidents it refers to." Sender's address is 3 Porters Room, Maida Hill W.
Tells Watts of her happiness "at finding my sonnet in the Athenaeum thanks, no doubt, to your friendly influence." Blind also mentions comments on Watts' being too ill to attend gathering at Fitzroy Square with Madox Brown. Sender's address is 2 Holly Bush Hill, W, Hampstead N.
Invites Watts to lunch "at the Holborn." Sender's address is 3 Holly Bush Mile, Hampstead, N.W.
Mentions she us "in town in a pretty little flat" and invites Watts to a small dinner party. Sender's address is 27 Hyde Park [unreadable] N.W.
Invites Watts to a small dinner party; if he cannot attend, she would like to know to invite someone in his stead. Sender's address is 17 Christchurch Row, Hampstead N.W.
Invites Watts to dinner, mentions her winter stay at the Poplars. Sender's address is The Poplars, 20 Avenue Road, Regents Park.
Writes, "I am sorry to have to trouble you about the MS [manuscript] of the Nibleay Essay which I think I mentioned to you Mr. Garnett wanted to … try its fortune with another editor. If it is to go at all it is high time to send it in [unreadable]. If you are too busy tomorrow to bring it down in the course of the afternoon or evening perhaps you will send it by [unreadable]." Sender's address is 52 Torrington Square, W.C.
Stays with the "Madox Browns" and asks Watts "whether there is any hope for my M.S. (manuscript] before I leave town." Sender's address is 37 Fitzroy Square.
Mentions "I have just been asked by some friends to go and see … Macbeth this evening. As I know not whether you had intended calling I just drop you a line that you [should] not, in this downright wintry weather, come here for nothing." Sender's address is 42 Marley Street, W.
Apologizes for missing Watts' visit. No Address.
Invites Watts over for "a chat." Sender's address is 52 Torrington Square, W.C.
Asks if Watts received the article sent by post. Sender's address is 52 Torrington Square, W.C.
Invites Watts to a "fortnightly readership of old … authors." Sender's address is 52 Torrington Square, W.C.
Invites, "My dear Mr. Watts, Could you come to a cup of tea to-morrow?" Sender's address is 52 Torrington Square.
Writes, "Dear Mr. Watts, I copied out and made a few alterations in the abstract of Bothwell and Mr. Madox Brown said he could send it on to you today. For my own part, I think it would be advisable to submit … Ford has had his own opinion of it – before Swinburne sees it; but if you think Mr. [unreadable] to have the first reading I have of course no objection. The present arrangement is necessarily only a rough skeitch and might be greatly modified in its writing. My pleasant visit here terminates on Sunday." No address.
Mentions receiving a Shelley article and apologizes for not immediately locating another volume; mentions "What a treat it was to see Wm. Swinburne so thoroughly delightful again." Sender's address is Eaton House.
Asks to see Watts for "a chat" before she goes out of town. Address is Caroline House, Hampstead, N.W.
Letter dated 1 January 1892. Responds to Elizabeth Procter Brockbank letter: "Dear Miss Brockbank, I recognized with great pleasure your beautiful writing and felt touched at your father's remembering me with his rare and charming flowers this first day of the year. I hope it is not too late for me to return, you all, my heartiest wishes for your happiness all this year and many others. Some time back you kindly sent me a magazine with some really sweet poetry of your in it and I have ever since regretd my neglect in me writing to Thank you for it, but you must forgive it, for at that time I was not well myself and very much troubled with misfortunes of one kind or another. Hoping sincerely that you are all well at home. Believe me, Most truly yours, Ford Madox Brown. I trust you continue both your painting and your poetry!" Sender's address is 1 St. Edmund Terrace, N.W. Paper edged in black.
Ford Madox Brown was a British Pre-Raphaelite painter and active within Victorian literary and aesthetic circles.
Elizabeth Procter Brockbank was an artist and the daughter of Brown's patron, William Brockbank.
Folder contains brief letter descriptions from seller.
Robert Buchanan was a Scottish writer.
Mentions a visit to discuss "that novel" and its publication in book form. Sender's address is from 25 Maresfield Gdns, S. Hampstead. Letter dated Easter Monday 1891.
Letter dated 10 July. Invites Noel to visit, mentions a libel case involving an article by George Moore in the Evening News. Sender's address is 9 Gower Street, W.C.
Roden Noel was an English poet.
Edward Coley Burne-Jones was a Pre-Raphaelite artist. He married fellow artist Georgiana "Georgie" MacDonald in 1860.
Letter dated 18 March 1890. Apologizes for late response, thanks receipient for "friendly expressions" but states "it is quite improbable" for him to send "a picture for exhibition at the Grovesnor Gallery." Sender's address is printed The Grange, West Kensington, W.
Letter dated 22 May 1896. Mentions an enclosure that "I shall write back and say 'rubbish'" to; promises to come by "one day before long - for the years are fleeting; adds that he sent Swinburne "a copy of our Chaucer." Sender's address is printed The Grange, 49, North End Road, West Kensington, W. Stamped envelope included.
Georgiana [nee MacDonald] Burne-Jones was an English artist involved with the Pre-Raphaelites and married to fellow artist Edward Burne-Jones.
Lucy [nee Lane] Clifford was an English writer and married to philosopher William Kingdon Clifford.
Letter dated 18 July 1898. Thanks Clifford for her "sympathy" and mentions "the gift he [husband Edward Burne-Jones] has been to me and us all, and that no infirmity ever touched his noble powers." Sender's address is Brook, Godalming.
Letter dated 10 May 1905. Declines invitation to Clifford's daughter Ethel's wedding but writes: "She inherits from her mother a high tradition of love in marriage and of courage in Life, and I pray that neither of those may ever fail her." Sender's address is printed Rottingdean, Sussex.
Hall Caine was a popular British author.
Folder contains a small black and white photograph of Caine.
Letter dated 13 December 1905. Typed and marked "Private," mentions that the letter includes a copy of Swinburne's "Queen's Carol, which is to be published on Monday for the benefit of the Queen's Fund for the Unemployed." In a postscript, suggests it be published with "good type and prominence and to add to it the little foot-note which I have ventured to make." Sender's address stamped Whitehall Court S.W.
Letter dated 21 September 1897. Apologizes for not seeing Paget when he was in London. Sender's address is stamped Greeba Castle, Isle of Man.
Letters are addressed to "Mrs. Rossetti" [Lucy Madox Ford Rossetti] and annotated in pencil by William Michael Rossetti.
Rose Mary (nee Yeates) Crawshay was a British philanthropist.
Letter dated 5 March 1890. Mentions a bronchitis treatment used by Rossetti (per William Michael Rossetti annotation).
Letter dated 26 July 1890. Mentions prize essays on Byron, Shelley, and Keats (from William Michael Rossetti's annotation).
James Douglas was a British journalist and editor.
Letter dated 2 May 1909: "Dear Mr. Adcock, I can't say no: so I'll let you have the article by the 10th. I only wish L.S.D. didn't enter into writing at all! Yours sincerely, James Douglas." Address stamped Inverness Terrace, Hyde Park, W, in black ink.
Letter dated 16 June 1914: "I have just got your note on my return from a country week-end. I'll gladly send you the Watts-Dunton article. With kind regards, Sincerely yours, James Douglas." Address stamped 96, Inverness Terrace, Hyde Park, W, in black ink.
Letter dated 4 March 1876, addressed to Lucy [Madox Ford] Rossetti, and annotated in pencil by William Michael Rossetti.
Anne (nee Burrows) Gilchrist was the author of A Life of Mary Lamb, and the wife of William Blake biographer Alexander Gilchrist. She was a close friend of poet Walt Whitman.
Letter dated 27 January 1910 to W. Isaac Levine, responds to Levine's questions about his work and remarks: "Your acquaintance with [Gosse's work] seems to be truly remarkable and I wish I could boast more of such careful and enthusiastic readers." Address printed 17, Hanover Terrace, Regents Park, N.W.
Letter dated dated February 23, 1897, to Theodore Watts-Dunton, mentions a lingering illness and his hopes to travel south; Groome also mentions how his brother, "captain of the H.M.S. Aeolus, is coming back from China in April" and he might join his ship "at Port Said." Sender's address is 3 Whitehouse Loan Edinburgh.
Francis Hindes Groome was an English author and expert on Romani culture.
Letter dated 28 June 1892, addressed to and annotated by William Michael Rossetti.
William Money Hardinge was a British novelist.
Iza Duffus Hardy was an English novelist and daughter of Mary Duffus Hardy.
Letter dated November 3, no year, and written on paper edged in black. Inquires as to whether Rossetti is back in town, and if she is home on Fridays. Mentions being "very much behind … with my writing…" and asks about "writing machines" i.e. typewriter. Signed "Iza D.H." Sender's address is 88 Elgin Avenure.
Pencil notation below signature is the handwriting of William Michael Rossetti.
Letter undated, on blue paper with red monogram. Unable to visit Rossetti's home because she was saying goodbye to a cousin who was leaving for an extended trip abroad. Sender's address is 126 Portstown Road.
Letter undated and addressed to "Mrs. [Lucy Madox Ford] Rossetti." Expresses remorse for not responding to "Mr. Rossetti's little announcement" and asks for him "to reserve our books." Asks for Rossetti to come call.
Pencil notation is in William Michael Rossetti's handwriting.
Lady Mary Duffus Hardy was an English novelist and the mother of Iza Duffus Hardy.
Letter addressed to "My dear Mr. Brooks" and dated 3 January 1915. 2 pages. Stationery stamped with "F.H." intitals. Discusses World War I and the situation in Europe. Mentions his son, Rene, who was killed later in the war. Sender's address is 10 Royal Crescent, Bath.
Frederic Harrison was an English historian.
Letter addressed to "My dear [Algernon Charles] Swinburne" and dated 10 May 1882. Includes envelope. Mentions his books, including Bible Tragedies, Laura DiBalzo, and asks if Swinburne and "Theodore Watts" will "kindly sit in judgement" on his most recent publishings. Sender's address is 16 Trinity Hill, Margate.
Richard Henry Horne was an English poet and literary critic.
Letter addresed to Joseph Payne and dated 18 November 1870, expresses dismay that Payne's name did not appear on the list of candidates for the Education Board, bemoans the public's lack of awareness on the issue. Written on Geographical Survey of England and Wales stationery.
Thomas Henry Huxley was an English biologist and advocate for Darwinism.
Joseph Payne (1808-1876) was an English educator and professor.
Letter addressed to "Dear Mrs. Rossetti" [Lucy Madox Brown] and dated 22 October 1887. Exchanges pleasantries, asks for Christina Rossetti's address. Sender's address is 143 Albion Road Stoke Newington, N.
John Henry Ingram was an English biographer, notably of Edgar Allan Poe.
Benjamin Jowett was an English professor and administrator at Balliol College, Oxford.
Letter is undated, mentions an upcoming visit and having little time to read what Swinburne sent him. No address.
Letter is dated June 25, and addressed from Ball [Balliol] Coll [College]. Will come to see Davidson in London.
Letter dated 22 June 1886 and addressed from Oxford. Asks if Willett will join in a procession.
Walter Savage Landor was an English writer and political activist who advocated for the unification of Italy and social reforms.
Letter undated, states "I shall be very happy to visit..." poetry lines below note are written in different hand.
Letter dated 17 January 1879, refuses to give his opinion of unpublished work but praises "Vox Dei" with some exception. Sender's address is Bath.
Letter addressed to "My dear Mr. [Algernon Charles] Swinburne" and dated 22 May 1880. Thanks Swinburne for reading her some of his poems and for his "protest against the desecration of Westminster Abbey" with the placement of a monument to Napoleon III's son. Sender's address is Hayter House, 238 Marylebone Road, NW.
Eliza Lynn Linton was an English essayist and novelist.
Tyled letter is dated 20 November 1893 and addressed to "Mrs. W.M. [William Michael] Rossetti" at Villa Cadorna in Castagnola, Pallanza Italy. Discusses "terms of publication" and layout of pages. Sender's address is 39 Paternoster Row, London, E.C.
Charles James Longman was an English publisher.
Thomas Babington Macaulay was an English historian and politician.
Letter dated 26 January 1843 and concerns corrections to the 3rd edition of hisa collection of narrative poetry titled Lays of Ancient Rome. Sender's address is Albany. Notes that the letter was sent on January 27, 1843.
Letter is likely addressed to Sir Charles Eastlake and dated 30 March 1859. Declines an invitation to dinner, but sends a donation to the Artist' Benevolent Institution. Sender's address is Holly Lodge, Kensington.
Letter is adressed to "Mr.[Norman] MacColl," but outside letter to Theodore Watts-Dunton at the Pines, Putney, dated 17 April 1896. Complains about "notice" of his "Arrows of Song" to appear in The Athenaeum magazine; mentions Watts' review as objectionable and inaccurate. Sender's address is New Travellers Club, Piccadilly, and letter on blue paper
Eric Mackay was an English poet and half-sibling of novelist Marie Corelli.
Letter addressed to "Dear Mr. Ranking" and dated 6 February 1884, sends a letter from Swinburne to Ranking to satisfy a friends request for Swinburne's autograph; mentions Ranking coming to see him "some evening." Sender's address is 191 Euston Road, NW.
Philip Bourke Marston was an English poet.
Letter addressed to [unreadable] and dated 26 May 26 1894, will try to attend a function, but he has been "very ill again with Influenza…" Sender's address is 2, Palace Gate, Kensington.
John Everett Millais was an English artist closely affiliated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
Richard Monckton Milnes, Baron Houghton, was an English poet and literary patron.
Letter dated 9 March 1879, sender's address embossed with Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall S.W., on paper edged in black. Signed "Houghton."
Letter has no address and no date, discusses social life, political speeches in House of Commons.
Letter addressed to "Dear Mr. [William Michael] Rossetti" and undated.
Pencil notation is William Michael Rossetti's handwriting.
Frances Minto Elliot was an English writer.
Letter addressed to "My very dear Archbishop" and dated 13 May 1916, sent from Flowermead, Wimbledon Park, S.W., in black ink on white paper stamped in blue, includes envelope addressed to "The Most Rev. The Hon. Archbishop of Dublin."
John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn, was a British politician and newspaper writer.
Letter addressed to "Dear Madam" and dated 8 March 1876, from 26, Queen Square, Bloomsbury, London, explains why his response was so delayed, and states "I am happy to be able to send you the letter in question."
William Morris was a British artist, writer and close associate of the Pre-Raphaelite circle. He was an active member of the British Arts and Crafts Movement.
John Nichol was a Scottish academic and biographer at the University of Glasgow.
Letter is dated 8 March 1867, from South Park Terrace, Glasgow, inquires about books and asks about his subscription to the "Percy Manuscript"
Letter dated 5 May 1869, from 25 St. John Street, Oxford, forwards a letter to "Mr. Maclehose … who has paid my subscription for the last three years."
Letter dated 13 May 1869, from 25 St. John Street, Oxford, addresses subscription matters, book titles and lists from booksellers.
Letter addressed to "Dear Miss Leonova" and dated 3 July 1879, with British Museum embossed on paper, sends an article which he hopes will interest and supplement what he already told her.
Arthur O'Shaughnessy was a British poet and zoologist with the British Museum. He married Eleanor Marston, sister of fellow poet Philip Bourke Marston.
Postcard to Basil Champneys, Esq. [English architect], at Frognall, Hampstead, dated from Lymington, 16 July 1894, informs Champneys that he will be with him "about 4:30 on Saturday."
Coventry Patmore was an British poet and a close associate of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
Letter addressed to "My dear Sir" dated 24 June 1876, embossed with the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, S.W., on paper edged in black, refuses an invitation.
Mark Pattinson was a British academic and priest in the Church of England.
Letter addressed to A.C.[Algernon Charles] Swinburne, dated Hollingbury Copse, Brighton, 4 August 1882, thanks Swinburne for "your volume of new poems" and begs forgiveness for not sending his gratitude sooner as Phillipps has "been suffering from one of my fits of nervous depression."
James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps was a Shakespearean scholar, writer and antiques collector.
Letter addressed to Theodore Watts-Dunton, dated 16 October 1898, sent to Heatherwood, Putney Heath, S.W. from Elizabethan Stage Society, 9, Harrington Road, S.W.: "Dear Mr. Watts Dunton, At the end of this months, I propose issueing [sic] a new syllabus to the members of our society announcing the revival of The Merchant of Venice in November and Ben Johnson's comedy The Alchemist in February – May I at the same time state that we hope in the spring of the year to produce Mr. Swinburne's tragedy "Locrine"? Would you be willing to speak to Mr. Swinburne on the subject and to let me know what his views are? Believe me, Your very truly, William Poel."
William Poel was an English actor and founder of Elizabethan Stage Society
Letter to AC Swinburne, dated 18 October 1874, and sent from 32 Weymouth St, Portland Place W, on paper edged in black, writes to thank Swinburne for his "charming tribute to my dear husband" and stated "I cannot tell you, what a pleasure your good company was to me how you lifted me out of all that has been pressed upon me for the last fortnight."
Anne Benson Procter (née Skepper) was an American writer, married to English poet Bryan Waller Procter, and mother of poet and philanthropist Adelaide Anne Procter.
Letter addressed to to "My dear Lady [unreadable]" with blue paper strip down the middle, mentions visiting an optician's shop.
Bryan Waller Procter was an English poet who used the pseudonym Barry Cornwall; husband of Anne Benson Procter and father of fellow poet Adelaide Anne Procter.
Handwritten letter of condolence from Queen Victoria to Lady Grant, Buckingham Palace, dated March 1875, edged in black ink: "…allow me to express my deep and sincere sympathy with you in your present overwhelming affliction. I am also conscious to express my deep regret at the loss of your noble and gallant husband…"
Letter addressed to Mrs. Rossetti [Lucy Madox Brown], no date, sent from 20, Earl's Terrace, Kensington W, declines "your kind invitation for Friday" as she is "pressed for time."
Frances Mabel Robinson was an English novelist poet who often used the pseudonym W.S. Gregg; sister of fellow writer Mary Robinson.
Letter addressed to Mrs. Rossetti [Lucy Madox Brown], no date, sent from 20, Earl's Terrace, Kensington W.
Agnes Mary Frances Duclaux, nee Robinson, was an English writer and poet; the sister of fellow writer F. [Frances] Mabel Robinson.
Letter addressed to "Dear Sir" and dated Saturday morning, sent from 166 Albany Street, N.W. on paper edged in black, contents include a transcription and letter to Terry Meyers from editor of letters. Letter discusses the publication of one of her pieces, and offers "a little essay on pews" and "some trifle in verse" – also asks when the publication will appear.
Christina Georgina Rossetti was an English poet and sister of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Michael Rossetti.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti was an English artist and poet in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His siblings were Christina Georgina Rossetti and William Michael Rossetti.
Letter dated 22 March 1869, mentions an exhibit; letter accompanied by an email from Leonard Roberts to Terry Meyers explaining the letter's content and context.
Letter dated Wednesday, 5 August 1879, in pencil; accompanied by a postcard to Terry Myers.
Letter dated 6 August 1879, envelope included, in black ink.
Letter is undated with no address: "Dear Woolner, The bearer is my friend Burges, architect, of whom you have probably heard me or other friends speak. Memorial Church at Constantinople, you know. Let me introduce him. He and you will excuse the shortness of this note…"
Postcard to R. Spence Watson, located at 101 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle on Tyne, from William Michael Rossetti, at 56 Euston Square N.W. dated 1 June 1876, includes photocopy of Spence's bio.
William Michael Rossetti was an English writer and literary critic; sibling of Christina G. Rossetti and Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Letter addressed to "My dear Sir" [The Rector of Lincoln] dated 6 April 1877, from Denmark Hill, SE stamped in red at top of page, written in black ink, scotch tape along one side, provides a reference for "a Scotch lady who is applying for the place of Lady Resident at Bedford College."
John Ruskin was an English literary critic, philosopher, and philantropist.
Letter addressed to Madame Moscheles, dated 29 March 1881, from Hotel L'Angliterre, St Petersburg, letter pasted to sheet of paper: Sala states that he cannot "come to see" pictures as he is in St. Petersburg.
George Augustus Sala was an English journalist; used initials G.A.S.
Elizabeth Sewell, nee Missing, was an English educator, author and founder of the Ventnor St. Boniface school.
Letter dated 24 May 1879, sent from Ashcliff, Bonchurch to St. Boniface Schools, in black ink on paper edged in black, discusses the "Education Fund" at St. Boniface School.
Letter dated 13 June 1873, sent from Ashcliff, Bonchurch to Arley Castle, Bewdley, on paper edged in black, envelope included, thanks Woodward for "your continued kindness."
Letter addressed to Arleigh [sic] Castle, Bewdley, and dated 30 July 1874, sent from Ashcliffe, Bonchurch, with addressed envelope, asks Woodward for money for St. Boniface School.
Letter dated 14 April 1866, sent from Ashcliff, Bonchurch, debates the principles of the Sunday Reader magazine
Letter dated 18 April 1866, from Bonchurch, mentions the Sunday Reader magazine.
Letter addressed to "Dear Mrs. Payne" with no date, sent from Arts Club, Hanover Square, 12 Fitzroy St W., inquires about "Burnell. "
Simeon Solomon was a Jewish painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelites; he illustrated Swinburne's novel Lesbia Brandon.
Correspondence written by Algernon Charles Swinburne, signed "A.C. Swinburne" and sent between 1878-1906. Letters are mostly sent from The Pines, Putney Hill, SW with a few noted exceptions.
Mentions work being done at The Pines and welcomes Bright to visit "any other day you will mention next week." Details entry to The Pines: "Of the two entrance doors ours is the second as you go uphill."
Henry Arthur Bright (1830-1884) was an English merchant and author related to poet Richard Monckton Miles. Educated at Cambridge, Bright was a member of the Roxburghe Club with several lasting literary friendships and correspondence, including Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Requests a "copy of Marwell's Works."
Thanks letter recipient for "your father's pamphlet" and offers to distribute copies: "If I can find any other means of furthering his aim ... I shall be happy to avail myself of them."
Requests that a note be inserted into "next week's number of the Academy." Letter is addressed to "the Editor of the Academy."
Informs Langbridge that he may "make use of the extract you specify." However, he adds, "I should have thought the breaking-off in the middle at once of a line and of a sentence rather ungracefully abrupt but that is your concern."
Gives permission "to print my verses with your music." Also mentions, "I am very ignorant of music as a science, though … very susceptible to the enjoyment of such music as appeals to me – that, for instance, of the 'might master' [Richard Wagner] just now gone from us." Requests a "Frenchman's opinion" of how his verse reads in French.
Asks where he "could get a copy of the pamphlet you inquire for." He has not had one "for many years."
Letter has no sender's address.
Letter to brother: "My dear Edward, I return the papers at once with my signature duly apprehended. I am very much obliged to you, both for explaining the matter to me sufficiently and for not explaining it too much at the risk of addling my head with details. I always feel conscious of an incipient softening of the brain when anybody attempts to make me follow a calculation of any kind. Bertie rather self-complacently asked me the other day what I thought of rule-of-three. I could only intimate that I thought it a very nice game for boys who were strong enough to play at it – with or without wickets. Will you tell Ally I meant to have answered her letter yesterday & I hope to do so today or tomorrow? With best love to all, Ever your affectionate brother, AC Swinburne."
Acknowledges payment: "I should have written before now to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your cheque for £46 but I was away from home at the time of its arrival, which will explain the tardiness of this acknowledgement."
Mentions his work on a "short essay on English poetry of the lighter kind." Also offers this essay "for the Forum" once it is ready for print.
Expresses gratitude for "pamphlet on the Chitral Campaign."
Thanks receipient "for sending me the notes from my grandfather. He was 91, not 94, in 1853. The latter date must have been a slip of the pen or a lapse of memory, unless all other records of his age are wrong. He died in the summer of 1860."
Responds to request for theatrical information: "I should be happy if I could be of any service to any friend of George Powell's. But I know nothing of the stage or of the costume proper to a heroine of Villon's, and no portrait of the lady who undertakes the part would help me to any suggestion. So I can only send you both my best wishes for her success."
Relates father's naval service: "My father, Admiral Swinburne, served as a midshipman under Lord Collingwood, and always retained a cordial affection for this memory."
Sends condolences: "I have read with deep interest and sympathy the pathetic and heroic record of your late brother's life and death. No nobler and more inspiring subject for commemoration could be imagined or desired: but whether I shall ever be able to avail myself of it I naturally cannot at present say."
States that he has "never written on the subject of Herodias" though "the legend ... is, of course, familiar."
Letter from Algernon Swinburne to sisterAlice Swinburne.
Letters written by Swinburne, with day and month but no year. Letters are chronologically arranged by day and month, but researchers should be aware of missing year.
Mentions the arrival of a book and remarks on its contents. There is no sender's address marked.
Writes, "I shall be very glad to come on Saturday. I am very sincerely sorry that you have a bad account of Harrison. I hope there is not reason to give up looking for a better one soon. I am well, and have been getting a little work done on different lines." Letter edged in black.
Sender's address is Holmwood.
Benjamin Jowett (1817-1893) was an influential Oxford administator and Master of Balliol College.
Swinburne returns a "truant proof" and sends his "kindest regards." Sender's address is Leigh House, Bradford-On-Avon, Wilts.
Theodore Watts-Dunton (1832-1914) was an English poet and critic who moved his friend Algernon Charles Swinburne to the Pines, at Putney Hill, in 1879.
Swinburne thanks Mrs. Seath for sending his coat. He apologizes for his "carelessness" which gave her the "trouble of sending it." No sender's address marked.
Swinburne's book order, including "Michelet's new book – Nos Fils … Flaubert's just published book L'Education Sentimentale." Swinburne also shares his desire to write a new article on Flaubert, an article on "Ford's plays" and requests "the proofs of [The Complaint of] 'Lisa' for America…" Sender's address marked as Holmwood, Henley on Thames.
Inquires about a book order: "Will you send to the above address the copy, if one hand.... If any of the books I have ordered did come in, please forward them to the same directions." Sender's address marked as [unreadable] Vicarage, Brentwood.
Writes, "I return the title page with corrections. Having mislaid Mr. Halliwell's address, I must give you the trouble of sending it again and I have to write to him at once. Can you let me know, as I cannot find his letter to see, whether he now habitually uses the official name of The Phillipino or not?" Sender's address marked as Hollingbury Copse, Brighton.
Swinburne writes, "My dear Sandys, It is indeed an age or two since we have met, and it would be a real and great pleasure to see you again. But I cannot now sit out any theatrical performance without actual nervous suffering – the result of an imperfect hearing which makes the vague sound of the recitation become in a very short time an absolutely insupportable infliction, unless I know literally by heart the text of the play represented – and an infliction it is even then. Therefore I have abjured all theatrical representations with rigour worthy of a Puritan. Otherwise I should have yielded to Watts's persuasions and accepted an invitation to which I am now compelled to turn – literally – a deaf ear."
Declines a social invitation: "My dear Sir, I am suddenly and unavoidably prevented from enjoying the pleasure I had hoped for tonight. You will … understand how vexatious it is to me to be thus deprived of it, I hope [you?] will allow me to call soon and apologize in person – though indeed it is Providence above from whom an apology is due – to me as well as to you." Sender's address marked as 22a Dorset Street, W.
Letter addressed to "Dear Mr. [Algernon Charles] Swinburne" and dated 23 July 1882, expresses gratitude for "another volume of your poems."
Sir Henry Taylor was an English dramatist and Colonial Office official.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a British poet and Poet Laureate in the Victorian era. He was married to Emily Tennyson, née Sellwood.
Letter dated 29 March 1872?, description written on back and initialed J – Y, part of letter is blacked out: "My dear Madam, Many thanks for your kind congratulatory letter. I waited to answer you till I could give you a satisfactory account of Emily [Tennyson's wife]. This I am now able to do. After 8 dates or (I think) 9 of commitments…"
Letter dated 20 October 1888, from Aldworth, Haslemere, Surry: Tennyson's father is ill, so he is unable to travel or visit much.
Letter dated 26 June 1892, Farringford, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, on paper edged in black: "My best thanks are due to you for your interesting volume and kindly dedication…"
Letter not dated, addressed to Burlington House, folded: "I am sorry to find you are out – I will call again on Monday."
Emily Tennyson, nee Sellwood, was the wife of poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Letter dated March 15 (ca. 1852), Chapel House, Twickenham, Middlesex, inquires about the capabilities of a nurse-maid, named Chappel, and whether or not Mrs. Larkin thinks Chappel capable of caring for an infant.
Letter dated 4 July 1870, from Aldworth, Blackdown, Haslemere, invites Mrs. Charles to visit and notes that she asked so late because she was unable to offer her a bed with certainty.
Letter dated 18 November 1893, Farringford, on paper edged in black, mentions Mrs. Charles' cataracts and thanks her for her reminiscences to be included in a memoir, written by son Hallam, on Alfred Tennyson.
Letter addressed to "Mrs. William Rossetti, [Lucy Madox Brown]" and undated, on stationery with red anchor, thanks Mrs. Rossetti for a copy of "Your life of Mrs. Shelley."
William Cave Thomas was an English painter.
Letter addressed to to "Sir" and dated 26 October 1909, from Grand Hôtel (Brufani) Perugua, hotel stamp in blue, provides editorial advice on a reprint of Trevelyan's poem, "The Cambridge University Boat of 1860."
George Trevelyan was an English writer and politician.
Typed carbon copies include correspondence from Algernon Charles Swinburne to Edmund Gosse, Victor Hugo, William Michael Rossetti, Theodore Watts,
Correspondence to Algernon Charles Swinburne from Henry Norman, Frederick Whymper, William Michael Rossetti, Lucy (Madox) Rossetti.
One letter from William Michael Rossetti to Theodore Watts-Dunton.
Correspondence between 1870 - 1909 and arranged chronologically.
Typecript carbon copies are undated. Correspondence from Algernon Charles Swinburne to unknown; Lucy (Madox) Rossetti to Swinburne.
Letter addressed to "Dear Mr. [Theodore] Watts" and undated, mentions availablity to meet, notes Watts' presence at a wedding.
and Addressed to "My Dear Holman [unreadable]" dated 7 June 1894, Little Holland House, Kensington W., cannot make a "Sunday Society Meeting." Mentions his health.
G.F. (George Frederick) Watts was an English sculptor and painter.
Thedore Watts-Dunton was an English writer, critic, and close friend of Algernon Charles Swinburne. In 1897, Watts begins to publically use his mother's maiden name, Dunton.
Letter dated 14 October 1884, The Pines, Putney Hill, on paper edged in black, is "far away in the country" but sure he would "make the acquaintance of any one introduced by so old and dear a friend as…"
Letter dated 22 August 1890, from Northcourt, Newport, Isle of Wright, stays with Swinburne and his aunt, Lady Mary Gordon, and will "be seeing Lord Tennyson who is at Aldworth…"
Letter dated 16 July 1896, The Pines, Putney Hill, S.W.: "It will for Swinburne and me real delight to see your kind face at last under this roof."
Letter dated 18 November 1909, The Pines, 11, Putney Hills S.W. stationery contains directions to The Pines from S.W.R. Station: "My dear Kernahan, It was very pleasant to see your handwriting again. I gather from your enclosure that you have been saying some-thing very kind about me in your lectures, and it is very gratifying to know that my friends are around me still. I have sent on the cutting to Douglas who will, I am sure, appreciate it. With all best wishes, Believe me to be, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Watts-Dunton."
Addressed to Algernon C. Swinburne, Esq., dated 19 March 1868, from 76 Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square, London W, written in black ink. Wilkinson writes Swinburne to praise his Critical Essays on Blake as "perhaps the deepest Book I have ever read…. You have conquered the Blakian Labyrinth."
James John Garth Wilkinson was a British physician, editor, and writer, including a biography of Scandanavian philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg.
Thomas Woolner was an English sculptor, poet, and founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
Letter dated 30 December 1861, embossed with address: 27, Rutland Street, Hampstead Road, thanks Payne for "the little book" and inquires as to Payne's visit to Plymouth, which he hear about from Burnell.
Letter dated December 31, sends Payne "a little autograph of A. Tennyson" that "has a more genuine and natural look."
Handwritten list requesting book titles: "Poems from Villon 1916," The Old Wives Tale by Arnold Bennett; signature unreadable but stamped 26 July 1927.
Series consists of 13 manuscripts. Contains both original and facsimile manuscripts in bound scrapbook volumes encased in mylar; a few unbound manuscripts are foldered.
Algernon Charles Swinburne is the primary author, but there are single manuscripts by poets William Sharp, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Louise Chandler Moulton.
Manuscripts are arranged in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Handwritten poem, "In Bohemia," signed and dated 3 October 1888. Includes short, separate typed description.
Louise Chandler Moulton was an American writer and editor of poetry by Philip Bourke Marston and Arthur O'Shaughnessy.
Handwritten copies of two poems, "The Church Porch – II" and "Pax Volis" [aka "World's Worth"], signed "D.G. Rossetti." Poem is undated.
Original handwritten manuscript of "Ariadne in Naxos" and "Beatrice." Manuscript is "Dedicated with affectionate regard to J.N. [John Nichol] Admiringly to the author of "Hannibal" and noted "To my friend Adelaide L. Elder, Xmas 1877, W.S." Written in 1876.
Manuscript is accompanied by two photocopied articles about the identification of the its author.
Scottish poet William Sharp also used the feminine pseudonym, Fiona MacLeod.
John Nichol, the subject of the manuscript's dedication, was a close friend of Algernon Charles Swinburne.
Manuscripts are arranged chronologically, if date is known. Original and facisimile manuscripts are noted in the individual manuscript's Scope and Contents note.
Folder 4 is the indicator for nine of Swinburne's original and facsimile manuscripts; some are bound volumes, some are foldered. Each has its own item number.
"Phaedra" manuscript is located separately in Box 3.
Original manuscript dated 1866. "Poems and Ballads 1866" is handwritten in pencil on inside front cover.
Poem is pasted to seventh page and written on both sides of the paper. It is written in black ink on light blue paper. Rest of the volume is blank.
Original manuscript dated 1866. Two page typewritten poem is on sixth page, loose. Handwritten poem on blue paper with black ink, pasted to pages 7-9. "Poems and Ballads, 1866" handwritten in pencil on inside front cover.
Original manuscript dated March 12, 1867, from the chorus of "Atalanta in Calydon" handwritten and signed "A.C. Swinburne."
Original manuscript dated 1878, "Poems and Ballads, 1878" handwritten in pencil on inside front cover. Poem written in black in on single sheet of blue paper pasted directly to seventh page. "Belgravia" written in light pencil on top of poem. Contains Swinburne's signature.
Original manuscript with "Finished April 15, 1882" handwritten on back of last page. First pages are blank, with manuscript pasted to pages 9-33, and written in black ink on blue paper.
Original manuscript dated 1893. "Astrophel and other Poems, 1894" handwritten in pencil on inside front cover. Poem is handwritten in black ink on three pages of blue paper, pasted to pages 7-9, and "inscribed to my mother" with "Pine Ridge, September 1893" written on final page.
Facsimile manuscript dated May 8, 1913 with typed explanatory note: "This essay is said to have caused the estrangement between Whistler and Swinburne which continued until Whistler's death." Includes letter from H.H. Harper, treasurer of the Bibliophile Society, to Mr. James H. Manning regarding Manning's inclusion on the subscription list for "the Swinburne publication."
Original holograph of "Milton," undated and signed A.C. Swinburne, poem is double-sided and in black ink. Previously unknown and unpublished until William & Mary Professor, Terry Meyers, rediscovered it and published on it in 1993.
Facsimile manuscript, no date; bookplate notes "Reproduction of the original manuscript of Swinburne's 'Ave Atque Vale' once the possession of Geoffrey Madan given to Eton College in his memory in 1947 by M.M." Smaller bookplate mentions "Mark Samuel Lasner."
Original manuscript, no date. Pages 1-9 contain reproductions of photographs and drawings of Swinburne; cuttings from "Peerage and Baronetage" and "Who's who." On page 10, a handwritten poem, "Babyhood," in black ink on white paper edged in black and pasted to page; it appears to be the fourth stanza of the published poem.
Pages 11-15 contain images and drawings of Swinburne, Theodore Watts-Dunton, drawings by and of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, poem by Watts-Dunton ("Percy Aylwin's Dream of Rhona") and scenes from the Pines, Putney.
Pages 16-23 contain the poem "Phaedra" pasted on pages (sliced from a book, page numbers visible at top of pages); Pages 24-30 contain original "Phaedra" poem handwritten in blue ink on blue paper taped into scrapbook along left side; the back of page 29 contains Swinburne's signature; back of page 30 contains writing, perhaps the beginning of a "Phaedra" draft.
Series contains two original pieces of artwork that depict Algernon Charles Swinburne.
Artwork is arranged in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Pencil sketch signed by Murray "to my friend..." and dated May 26, 1887; in an oval mat with gold outline, some cracking along the image.
Charles Fairfax Murray was an English artist associated with teh Pre-Raphaelites and the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Original pen caricature of Swinburne, in black ink.
William Rothenstein was an English artist and painter.
Miscelleanous items include autographs from Theodore Watts-Dunton, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Queen Victoria; caricatures from Vanity Fair magazine; reproduced engravings; materials from Swinburne's centennial exhibition; and 1975 commemorative calendar.
Press release for "Exhibition at Leeds" dated 6 April 1937, The Times, exhibition to commemorate Algernon Charles Swinburne's centenary, included books, manuscripts, letters and "galley proofs" of Lesbia Brandon.
Reproduced photograph of "The Burial of Lady Jane Swinburne at Bonchurch with A.C. Swinburne and his sisters present" dated 1896.
Original signature and photograph in cardboard mat.
Large cardboard photograph of "Mr. Swinburne" published by Elliott & Fry Photographers, 55 Baker Street W. and at 7 Gloucester Terrace S.W. Swinburne is standing on steps with brick, ivy-covered wall behind him.
Greeting card with George Richmond's 1843 painting of "Swinburne and his sisters" reproduced on the front. Back of card contains brief bios for Swinburne and Richmond. Printed by The Roundwood Press for the National Portrait Gallery.
Original copy of The Daily Mirror newspaper, 16 April 1909, "Mr. Swinburne's Funeral Procession Passes Unnoticed in London: The Poets remains conveyed from Putney to the Isle of Wight." Photos include Swinburne's coffin being carried through a crowd and funeral procession.
Several reproduced photographs of Swinburne, including one with an unidentified woman and one of Swinburne oasted to cardboard.
13 photo copies of Swinburne, his family, and other associates; the original photographs are from the collection of Swinburne biographer, Rikky Rooksby who in turn obtained them from John Browne-Swinburne's family photos. Note: Swem does not hold the rights to these images.
Autographs, on torn sheets of paper; handwriting is also included on an envelope stamped The Pines, Putney Hill S.W.
Autograph signed "AT" and including the phrase, "Many thanks." Included with letter to "Dear Mr. Fox," dated 20 October 1888, found in correspondence (Box 1, Folder 56).
Small fragment of handwriting from Maria Francesca Rossetti and James Hannay.
Autograph dated High Elsm, 30 January 1881, in black ink.
Also includes one letter, written and signed by Arnold, dated 2 August 1887, states that he will not give any lectures this year. "even for the sake of the Kindergarten, to which I wish heartily well."
Letter dated 28 May 1934, Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich, to bookseller Fred Bason, addresses Bason's interest in Hichens' The Green Carnation. Also includes a handwritten transcription, author unknown.
Autograph signed below a short note from The Smart Set: A Magazine of Cleverness, dated 27 February 1912, regarding "the Washington article."
Caricature depicts figure near a fireplace mantel, dressed in slippers, with small girl in black dress, captioned: "Mr. Matthew Arnold. To him, Miss Mary Augusta, "Why, Uncle Matthew, Oh why, will not you be always wholly serious."
Arnold, poet and literary critic, was the uncle of Mary Augusta Arnold, the little girl depicted, who later became a novelist and an anti-suffrage advocate.
Vanity Fair caricature by Ape (pseudonym for artist Carlo Pellegrini) titled, "Men of the Day, No. 28 The Poet Laureate," dated 22 July 1871. Swinburne is depicted with beard, large top hat, and carrying a pocket watch with one hand in his pocket.
Vanity Fair magazine, dated 21 November 1874, color caricature of Swinburne, titled "Before sunrise." Lower left corner shows: "Vincent Brooks Day & Son, Lith. London. Signed "Ape" (Italian for "bee" the pseudonym for Italian caricaturist Carlo Pellegrini); folder also contains the caricature's biographical accompaniment (that would have faced the image in publication), a copy of "Mr. Algernon Charles Swinburne" entry in Men of the Day No. 91, 1874, pasted to cardboard.
Second copy is without the biography and cardboard. Image is the same.
Print of "P.B. Shelley – Etched by W.B. Scott from a bust by Mrs. Leigh Hunt." Print has some water damage at the top corners and light foxing.
Reproduction sketch of P.B. Shelley, pasted to cardboard, with reproduced signature of Shelley: "… affectionately yours P.B. Shelley."
Sketch of P.B. Shelley, eyes closed, pasted to cardboard.
Vanity Fair caricature of Wilkie Collins, "Men of the Day, No. 39 The Novelist who invented Sensation," dated 3 February 1872. Caricature is on cardboard with note to Terry Meyers from Carl Dolmetsch.
1975 Calendar (January – December) with reproduction of photograph of a young Swinburne; paper with stapled calendar pages; some dates have light transfer on the photograph
Two copies of sheet music, possibly for the piano, set to Algernon Charles Swinburne's verse.
"Love At Sea," with music by Paul Mariet and dated 1876, published by S. Brainard's Sons, 20 East 17th Street, New York City. The music is dedicated to Eugene Clark.
"Butterflies" with music composed by Felix Corbett, sung by Evangeline Florence, dated 1894, published by Boosey and Co, 9 East Seventeenth Street, New York and 295 Regent Street, London, England. The name "Helen Briggs" is written in cursive across the front page. "Egge & Heard, The Music Center" is stamped in red across the bottom. Pages are separating.
Advertisement for Johnnie Walker scotch whiskey, dated 7 June 1924 and published in The Illustrated London News. Ad depicts the ghost of Algernon Charles Swinburne telling the figure of Johnnie Walker that his "inspiration" (or whiskey product) "is more universally enjoyed" than Swinburne's poetry. The image is black and white, with streetscape from Wimbledon, London, Englad where Swinburne was known to walk. The Rose and Crown pub is also featured in the background. A small black Scottish Terrier runs alongside the figures.
Bottom half of page features a photograph of Swinburne's funeral, dated April 24, 1909 and printed in the Illustrated London News. The image is in black and white, with a short caption below that addresses the controversey surrounding the graveside service: "...the Rector's action was in complete accordance with the wishes of Swinburne..." Photograph by the World's Graphic Press.
Illustrated copy of Swinburne's "Reverse" written November 1, 1899. Poem's subject is Wellington at Waterloo and is surrounded by black and white images of the battle and its participants.
Round blue tin, with flowers and strawberries on the lid. Line from Swinburne's poem "Atalanta" circles the base: "Blosson by Blossom the Spring Begins..."