LEAR EDWARD: (1812-1888) English Artist, Illustrator and Poet. A.L.S., Edward Lear, four pages, 8vo, Villa Emily, Sanremo, 9th January 1876, to Mrs. Rawson. This lengthy letter of interesting content begins with a caveat 'This - about to be a very badly scrawled, by lamplight letter…' Continuing, Lear enquires about Constance and Arthur, as well as old friends 'who live somewhere in Suffolk, at a place the name of which I fancy to be Foxton or Boxton, or Toxford or Boxford… I want to send them a couple of drawings as a reminder of old days.' Further informing his correspondent 'Please tell Constance that I have some autographs for her - but I cant find them… but they will turn up later.' Adding his observations on the climate, Lear continues 'I am tolerably well, and extremely comfortable here - tho' lonely enough at times - the pleasant residents here having almost none of them come out this year…' Further writing about Sanremo and its German visitors '…And English Ladies don't combine with the German element as generally illustrated at Sanremo.' Concluding by enquiring with his correspondent about her family and ending with 'Goodbye my dear Mrs Rawson - I am 664 years old next May - (barring a hundred) and the antiquity must excuse a stupid letter.' With minor creases to the top left and right corners and three very small spits to the horizontal folds at the right edge. With light age related wear. G

Lear named Villa Emily after his friend and wife of poet Alfred Tennyson.

Ellen Rawson was married to William Henry Rawson (1812-1892), a wealthy banker, landowner, and prominent citizen of Halifax. She was a keen collector of the work of various living artists.

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