| Description | Volume II contains correspondence from G. F. Watts to Charles Hilditch Rickards, Manchester paper maker and benefactor and principal patron of Watts.
Correspondence includes their initial introduction, arranged by J. E. Taylor and Tom Taylor; Rickards' initial sitting for his portrait; instructions as how to hang portraits; Rickards' role as a patron in terms of buying paintings and promoting Watts' art; discussions into specific works by Watts; exhibitions at the Dudley Gallery, the Royal Academy and the Manchester Gallery; critics opinions of Watts' work; the building of a new studio; Watts' adoption of Blanche Clogstoun; the art scene in Manchester and interest in Watts; Rickards' eye condition; building a home at Freshwater, Isle of Wight.
Material is catalogued following the order of bound letters in volume, which are numbered in a running order, awarded prior to the dismantlement of the collection. Items sold in separate lots not bought by the National Portrait Gallery may be held at other institutions or in private collections. |