Miniature

Autograph Letter Signed 'W. J. Newton' from the miniature painter Sir William John Newton to James Lakyn regarding damage to his house in Argyle Street caused by building works.

rif. 10964 — 19 October 1864; 6 Argyle Street London. 12mo 3 pp. Text clear and complete. Fair on aged paper. 'Mr Westmacott the sculptor Richard Westmacott the younger' has called on him and he has 'shown him the settlement all down my Wall - I told him that you had seen it but did not contemplate any immediate danger - he said that Mr Valpy Henry Valpy fl.1851-1885 of the architects Burrell & Valpy was out of town'. Westmacott will write to Valpy as he thinks there ought to be 'a conference with' Lakyn who 'should be requested to make a report'. The 'suggestion' Newton has made 'as to the Iron ties will be indispensable - & furthermore that the East wall near door to me should be rebuilt - as it must have weakened the North East angle'. The 'wall of Mr Slades house' has fallen down 'with a tremendous crash - while they were digging for the underpinning' according to the Survey of London Stephen Slade lived at 8 Argyle Street from 1819 to 1864. From what Newton sees 'as to a preparation for a Wall' he fears that the builders 'intend to come beyond the opening of my light'. Asks Lakyn to 'look in' if he 'should be coming this way'. Newton moved from 6 Argyle Street where he had lived since 1820 in 1866. 19 October 1864; 6 Argyle Street, London. unknown