Charles Atkinson, [London], to Henry Crabb Robinson, [London], 29 September 1863.

H. C. Robinson Esqr

29 September 1863

Dear Sir,

       I am delighted by the accounts wh reach me from various quarters of your health [&] alacrity of spirits &c since your visit to Germany. I hope they will long continue in the same favorable state.

      I am happy to [be] able to report that the Flaxman Hall & collection were even in a more satisfactory condition. The floor of the Hall has been improved & cleaned. Mrs Grote on seeing it a few days ago exclaimed “what a beautiful floor” The College has been at the expense of the new polishing; & the improvement has been an amende enforced on my the contractor at my instance still the Monument is not perfect altho good judges (Artists) pronounce it, some beautiful! others Glorious! There are works in the Drawing School waiting to be put up: Miss Ney suggests that to do the Statues of Sir John Moore, and Sir Joshua Reynolds justice, they ought to be placed in a more elevated position: (the Pedestals might easily be raised) and Foley concurs in his opinion. A Report shd be made to Subscriptions & they should be invited to come & see their good work: but printing is costly I have submitted to you a statement shewing that the fund at my command is exhausted & the mode in which it was expended. I adhere to my engagement to you not to incur debt & therefore for the present rest from my labor. I write rather than call on you to afford you the opportunity of deliberation whether anything more should be done and if anything, what?

       If Fifty pounds were paid into the Bank of Smith Payne & Smith to the account of University College, I think with Foley’s assistance I could give the Committee of Management good advice as to drawing for it.

                         I am, Dear Sir

                                     Your faithfully

                                                 Chas C. Atkinson

Text: MS. ADD. 105: Flaxman Letter Book, 1860-65 (copy), University College University of London.