Mary Boydell, Cheapside, to Ozias Humphry, Calcuta, Bengal

RA Collection: Archive

Reference code

HU/3/53-54

Title

Mary Boydell, Cheapside, to Ozias Humphry, Calcuta, Bengal

Date

16 Feb 1786

Level

Item

Extent & medium

2 pieces

Content Description

They dined at Mr. Farington and met Mr. & Mrs. West and Mrs. Brunker[?]. The last ships for Bengal are leaving shortly. They dine at Mr. West's again in a week, he hopes to show them his new picture, of a Stag Hunt, in the manner of Rubens. She describes the success of a sale of Gulston's collection of prints. She has entered Sir Ashton Lever's lottery and bought a ticket on Humphry's behalf.

The previous week she went to Drury Lane and saw Sarah Siddons as Mrs. Lovemore, her first role since her confinement, with Mrs. Farren as Widow Belmone. She also saw a new comic actress, Mrs. Jordans, in Lucy, the Royal family were present. It was the first time she has been at the theatre since they saw Holman's debut together. She wants to see Omai, the scenerey of which is judged a triumph for Loutherbourg.

She asked for a print of Mr. Hastings from his wife, she wishes Sir Joshua Reynolds to do him better justice, so her Uncle can publish a fine print.

Poor Alderman Kitchen has "eat himself into his Grave at last". She discusses the possibility that he could source some fine paper for use between prints.

Associated Material

Alexander III of Scotland Rescued from the Fury of a Stag by the Intrepidity of Colin Fitzgerald, 1786. National Gallery of Scotland, NG2448.