Description

Description: English painter John Seymour Lucas (1849-1923) penned and signed this three-page letter to a Mr. Hartley in which he discusses an “old Treaty House… near London” and the possibility of asking “Thomas at the Graphic to send Brewer, the clever and brilliant draughtsman… to visit it, and send some sketches with a letter to the editor”.

Lucas is probably referring to William Luson Thomas one of the founders of The Graphic, the extraordinarily influential British weekly illustrated magazine that influenced such artists as Vincent van Gogh and Hubert von Herkomer.

The “Brewer” Lucas mentions in his letter is probably Henry Charles Brewer (1866-1950), a fellow British artist known for his urban scenes. Brewer’s father, Henry William Brewer, also an artist, is known to have contributed to The Graphic; however, he died in 1903, a year before this letter was written.

Lucas was a popular artist during his lifetime and was known for his historical scenes and portrait paintings as well as his theatrical sets and costumes. He was elected an associate member of the Royal Academy in 1876 and a full Royal Academician in 1898.

Written on a folded sheet of stationery imprinted: “New Place, Woodchurch Road, West Hampstead”. 7” x 4 ½”. Item #A01335

Condition: Mailing fold line, slight crease, otherwise in very good condition with a large signature.