Mann Thomas

1896 · réf. 860F12 — London: None 1896-1934 . Loose Pages Articles. Very Good Indeed. 8" by 5.5". None. The signatures of four prominent British painters: Alfred Parsons Harrington Mann Ernest Crofts and Henry Tanworth Wells. The first two signatures flat signed to a sheet of folded paper are of the miniaturist and portrait painter Henry Tamworth Wells and the painter of historical and military scenes Ernest Crofts the latter of whom dates his signature 'Oct. 12th. 1896'.Wells was most famous for his 'Victoria Regina' showing the young Queen Victoria receiving the news of her accession to the throne while Crofts was celebrated for his depictions of the Napoleonic Wars.Excised from a letter and mounted is the inscription of Alfred Parsons a popular English artist illustrator landscape painter and garden designer.Also present is a signed 1899 letter from the Scottish portrait artist and decorative painter Harrington Mann along with the prospective for a 1934 Exhibition of his portraits. Mann's letter addresses one M.H. Spielmann a Victorian art critic who edited 'The Connoisseur' and 'Magazine of Art'.He begins 'I have unfortunately just had my picture photographed - but of course it was photographed for the catalogue!'. He is concerned about the outcome and explains 'you must do what you think best - have it photographed again or borrow the first one from the . catalogue'. He continues 'as to my artistic career there is not much to be said. I studied at the Slade and in Paris under Boulanger and Lefebvre afterwards I worked in Rome and in different parts of Italy for 2 years. Of course my work has always been associated with that of the Glasgow men I was born in Glasgow. I have shown at the RA regularly for a number of years beginning at the age of 19!'. Consisted of four loose leaves two folded. Small hole to tail of Wells and Crofts leaf. Spotting to Mann letter and brochure with closed tear to fold of brochure and letter age toned. Very Good Indeed None unknown