T. L[awrence], to Joseph Farington, Marlborough Buildings, Bath

2 pieces

Now Hoppner is dead and he has much to say which Northcote would no doubt pronounce insincere; he would have visited Hoppner, to end their competition in peace, but thought it not possible; he discusses an election to the Academy; responding to a letter shown him by Farington from Dance, he explains why he cannot commit to William Daniell or Robert Smirke as he thought Wilkie eligible; he then tears into the conduct of Nollekens and Flaxman on the election of Marchant; Fuseli and Howard he will try and see; he insults Hoppner, Opie and Soane, leaving the ultimate opprobrium for Henry Thomson; he, at least, gives Owen the benefit of doubt; on a separate page he lists the names of members and where their votes should lie.

Partly published in Letter-Bag, Layard, 1906, p.68.