| Description | Letters, sketches, notes and a poem to Joseph Gillott from the York artist William Etty (1787-1849). Also includes two letters from Elis Etty, also known as Betsy, Etty's niece and housekeeper. Joseph Gillott and William Etty met in 1843 and these letters were written in the last years of Etty's life. Some letters are undated although a date has been written on the reverse of a number of them. The majority of the letters are addressed from the Etty's home at 14 Buckingham Street, Strand, London. Two letters are addressed from York: Etty had purchased a property in Coney Street, York in 1846 as a retirement home.
Etty uses endearing and familiar forms of address such as 'My Dear Joey', 'My little boy' and 'My dear Absentee'. The letters include a number of colloquialisms with references and allusions to situations and mutual acquaintances. Etty embellishes his letters with small line drawings in ink. The letters generally show Etty's concern for Gillott's health and provide information about a number of his paintings and exhibited work. Etty also refers to his friendship with Turner [probably the artist J. M. W. (William) Turner (1789-1862) of whom Gillott was also a patron]. |