Nelson & His World

Quite amazing how "new" things can surface after all this time . . . . !

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MB

Many thanks indeed for that interesting link, Mark. I wonder how much the sketch book will make? Anything with a Nelsonian connection seems to go for a high price.

Ellis Cornelia Knight was a fairweather friend of Nelson and Emma, who was glad to accept hospitality from them, but eased herself away when the break with Lady Nelson threatened. I've been looking out for a copy of her autobiography, which I've seen on abe books for about £100 if any are available. There are none at the moment, though you can buy a reprint:

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/Searc ... obiography

Today's Times also carries the story: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/ ... 041882.ece

The text by Simon de Bruxelles, which I read at breakfast, does contain what my husband calls 'a marmalade dropper': I was curious to see that Sir William is reported as having acquired Emma from Charles Greville 'sight unseen'! This is totally untrue, of course, as he had met her at the house Greville provided for her and named her 'The Fair Teamaker of Edgeware Row'.

Mark - are you going to write to The Times? They always print your letters.

There's a light-hearted but spot-on brief appraisal of Nelson in one of the links listed in the Times piece: 'Interest in Horatio Nelson never seems to flag.'

Here are Bonham’s lot details for the sketchbook with images of four of the paintings (with magnify and zoom options in the Flash viewer), including the one with Nelson & Emma. Another is of the deck of the Foudroyant showing a midshipman with a telescope almost as big as himself , and two other sailors. Another is a view of the captured Guillaume Tell in Siracusa harbour from the Foudroyant.

Surely the Bonhams (under)estimate of £10,000 - 15,000 is just a ploy to draw in plenty of bidders? Or am I missing something?

Tony

I wish I understood the strange world of the large auction houses. For years we have been saying how Nelson-related items seem to far exceed their initial estimates. I am sure - as you say - that it is a way of drawing the maximum number of people in.

I shall be watching with interest.

I wonder if any of the museums will be trying to buy it. Or if it goes to a private buyer they will obtain a facsimile copy. I can't bear the thought that it will disappear into a private collector's vault - not to be seen again for another hundred years.

Anna

You somewhat exaggerate my case! I think I have only ever had a couple of letters printed in the Times!! Nevertheless I am happy to send a letter (email) detailing SWH's earlier meeting/s with Emma in England and see if they care to print it.

MB

Many thanks for that interesting link, Tony. Yes, I think low estimates are a common ploy to lure in the bidders. Remember the mourning ring recently?

The extract from Cornelia Knight's autobiography gave me a pleasant frisson as it links in with my own letter from Nelson to Ball which was written when they were '7 lgs [leagues] SE of Goza' (sic) on 22 May 1800, when the party was in the Foudroyant. The letter has a postscript by Troubridge telling Ball that he has 'recd. and delivered your letters to My Lady and Miss K.' - obviously Cornelia Knight.

Mark,

Was just about to post this story from the Mail OnLine, but beat me too it. Great watercolour, still believe they visited Bronte though.

Fingers crossed it stays in the country !

Quote from the 'Daily Telegraph' received in a 'Google Alert':



Meanwhile, a sketchbook containing what is believed to be the only known picture drawn from life of Horatio Nelson and his lover Emma Hamilton was sold for £30,000, between double and treble its estimate of £10,000 to 15,000.

The painting is one of 37 watercolours by Ellis Cornelia Knight, who accompanied the British naval hero on the flagship Foudroyant around the Mediterranean.

The price includes the buyer's premium. There is no information about whether the purchaser is a private individual or a public institution; or whether the sketchbook is likely to leave the country.