[Rarebooks] FS: 1840s 1850s Letters of English Watercolor Watercolour Painter Copley Fielding

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

Three Letters from English Watercolor Painter Copley Fielding.

England, 19th century.

English watercolorist Anthony Vandyke Copley Fielding (November 22, 1787 
– March 3, 1855), went by the name Copley Fielding. As a youth he was a 
pupil of John Varley, and in 1810 he became an associate exhibitor in 
the Society of Painters in Water Colours. Named a full member in 1813, 
he became President in 1831 and served in that office until his death in 
1855. He also taught watercolor painting to a large and enthusiastic 
body of students.

This lot consists of three letters:

1) "26 Newman Street, May 29, 1844. Dear Sir, I much regret that I was 
not at home when you bid me the favour of calling in Newman street 
yesterday, and beg to thank you for your kind communication. It will 
ever be a source of much gratification to me to know that I have lived 
in the esteem of so excellent a man as our friend Mr. Hills & I should 
always appreciate most highly the kind token of his remembrance. I have 
had the happiness of being associated with him for more than thirty 
years, & I may say that every succeeding year has shown me some 
additional cause for my esteem & regard. I will take the first 
opportunity of calling in, & sending to Hatton Garden to give 
instructions about the size of the ring. You are probably aware that, as 
Sec. to our tormented friend you will have some claims on the Soc. of 
Painters in W.C. but these cannot be ascertained until after the 
settling of the Society's accounts after the close of the Exhibition. I 
remain, kind sir, very truly yours, Copley Fielding -P.S. I owe you many 
apologies for not having sooner acknowledged your (illegible) attention 
in conveying to me the melancholy tidings of Mr. Hills decease. I was 
out of town at the time, & am most ashamed to have to say that, in my 
hurry, I forgot that your (illegible) was being (illegible)."

The "Mr. Hills" was Robert Hills (1769–1844), a landscape and animal 
painter noted for his watercolors, of which he exhibited more than 600 
at the Society of Painters in Water Colours during his lifetime. He was 
among the founders of the Society in 1804, and was its first secretary. 
After resigning in 1812 (the Society had voted to allow oils to be shown 
at its exhibitions, and he took offense) he rejoined in 1823, was 
treasurer from 1827 to 1831, and served as secretary again from 1832 
until his death in 1844.

2) "Mr. Copley Fielding begs to return Mr. Lackington many thanks for 
the favour of the ticket to see his valuable Picture by Murillo. He is 
sorry that he cannot comply with Mr. Lackingtons request as he has no 
power to grant tickets of admission to the ExOn' of the Society of 
Painters in water Colours. Mr. C.F. cannot therefor under such 
circumstances think of availing himself of Mr. Lackingtons hospitality. 
20 Newman Street. May 9th.".

Interestingly, although not dated, it is highly probable that Copley 
Fielding was the President of the Society of Painters in Water Colours 
when he wrote this letter.

3) "Mr. Copley Fielding presents his best compliments to Mr. Harris, & 
has the pleasure of enclosing a Cheque for the amount of his account, 
with sincere Thanks for all of his very kind attentions. 5 Park Crescent 
Jan'ry 18. 1855".

Three letters. Each about 4.5"x6.5". Some soil, folds. previously 
mounted, with slight paper remnants on the verso of several letters.  
$125-

Some Pictures =>
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