Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Miss Denman, Kensington, 1 June 1860.

30 Russell Square WC

1st June 1860

Dear Miss Denman

      You are aware that your Sister induced me to purchase a portrait of Flaxman by [Penney] R A. He is represented exhibiting a colossal head, under his hand at the time, to his pupil, Hayley’s Son – I intended presenting this to the College as an appendage to the F: Gallery But the National Gallery has been formed since, And I think that that institution is the proper repository for such a portrait – Scharfe admires it And he is sure that it will be gladly accepted – On Thursday next it will be formally offered to the Trustees – And in the mean while, I shall be obliged if you can inform me whose the sculptured head is supposed to be Scharfe says that this portrait is a portion of a groupe of figures – I should doubt the fact. Did you ever hear it suggested? It is usual to accompany an offer of a portrait with some account of it, the artists name for whom painted &c as evidences of its authenticity – Therefore I shall be obliged by any information you can give me

       Have you fixed upon any time for the sale of the Flaxman drawings, And will that by [be] soon? Field has been very desirous to raise by private subscription a fund for the purchase of some of the drawings – but he has not succeeded according to his wishes – Probably more money could be raised, if the intentions of the family were better understood At present not more than £100 have been promised – It requires a management as well as zeal to succeed in these matters – I hope you are now restored to health – repose will I should expect have been favorable to you –

       I beg my respects to your Sister inlaw nephews &c

                                                 very truly your’s

                                                            H. C. Robinson

Miss Denman

Kensington.

Text: Yates Papers, MS. Misc. 3R, University College University of London.