| Description | File 1:
-Correspondence to Bell from Sir George Scharf, 1879-1887 (4 original letters and 1 photocopy of a letter dated 1875), including one letter dated Jul 1885 regarding the acquisition of NPG 745 and Scharf's sitting for his portrait by artist Walter William Ouless [NPG 985];
-One letter from 'Stanhope' [likely Philip Henry Stanhope, 5th Earl Stanhope (Chairman, 1856-75)] to George Scharf, undated;
-One letter from John Murray, Nov 1885;
-One letter from Edward Jacobs, including annotated sketch verso of party guests (includes sketch of Harold Lee-Dillon, 17th Viscount Dillon, Gallery Trustee).
File 2:
Inventory sheets created by Bell which appear to relate to his own collection of artwork. This material is not precisely dated, but the latest date referenced is 1886, meaning that Bell must have been working on them up to this date at least. Given that he died in 1888 this gives some indication as to dating. Many of the descriptions are very brief, but may include some or all of the following: sitter name or subject of the work, artist if known, medium and dimensions if known, source of acquisition (whether purchased by Bell or a gift). In some cases Bell has made notes about known likenesses or similar works. Each sheet has been numbered but the sheets are not in numerical order. In some instances Bell has affixed additional material to individual sheets, meaning that the inventory includes the following: an extract from a sales catalogue for the estate of J.C. Schetky, Feb 1875; cuttings from 'The Daily Telegraph' dated Nov 1880 and May 1881; letter from George William Bell, January 1871; letters from Sir George Scharf dated Dec 1870, Dec 1879, Mar 1885 and one undated, letter from the British Museum (signature illegible), Feb 1883. Also includes a sketch of a portrait of 'Diana Russell, Viscountess Newport afterwards Countess of Bradford' by George Scharf, Jan 1871.
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