# - Talbot, William Henry Fox.

the first letter expressing his views on government taxation, and explaining how financial deficiences could be met by a loan ("...The point upon which my argument reposes is that the energies of the country are really unimpaired, and that we have within us all the elements of prosperity, but are suffering under a temporary distress..."), 4 pages, 4to, 29 Albemarle Street, "Saturday", [1832], creased at folds

The Historical Archives at Bowood House (sale at Christie's, 12 October 1994, lot 81)

H.J.P. Arnold, William Henry Fox Talbot, Pioneer of photography and man of science, 1977, plate 75 & p.173

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. If you require additional information we would recommend viewing the item during the exhibition or contacting one of the specialists for this sale.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

the second letter enclosing an albumen print from a collodion glass negative (120 x 95mm., with ink stamp on verso "Patent Talbotype or Sun Pictures Henneman & Co., 122 Regent Str., London")

"...I request your acceptance as a lover of the Arts, of a trifling specimen of the instantaneous portraiture obtained by my invention. The time of sitting for this portrait was only three seconds, sometimes it can be done in one..."

and requesting his advice regarding "the very anomalous and...unprecedented circumstances in which this invention has placed me", namely the pressure he is under to surrender the last four years of his patent [Photograph Pictures patent no. 8842, relating to the calotype process] pro bono publico, while stating that the Privy Council, "not in the least swayed by the passions & interests of the persons who appear in opposition", are likely to prolong it for the full term of 14 years or more, 4 pages, 8vo, Lacock, 31 May 1852

the last letter about his decision on whether to apply for a prolongation of his patent ("...The fact of my having expended on the invention from £5000 to £10,000 more or less, and having thereby brought the Art into general use, would doubtless weigh with the Privy Council independently of the merits of the invention, but on the other hand I have presented the invention to the Public some years ago, for all purposes except taking portraits for sale..."), complaining of the "enormous expense" involved in renewing the patent, and referring with some bitterness to the unfavourable outcome of the Talbot v. Laroche trial of December 1854 ("...Neither judge nor jury understood anything of photography..."), 8 pages, 8vo, Athenaeum Club, London, 5 January 1855, very light spotting

The subject of the enclosed portrait was the Hungarian patriot Louis Kossuth, who only agreed to sit for Henneman on condition that his fees be donated to the Hungarian refugees.