[Josiah Wood Whymper, Suffolk artist and wood-engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. W. Whimper'), giving detailed instructions to a book illustrator, with reference to Sir John Gilbert and 'Hardings book'.

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with traces of glue from mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. Folded three times. The recipient is not named, but is clearly a book illustrator, and the letter provides an interesting view of the practices of book illustrators and engravers in Victorian London. Whymper begins by stating that he is sorry to have missed his 'Call', and to have been 'equally unfortunate this afternoon', when he left at his house 'Two pieces of wood & a little book I want you (if convent [sic]) to make me a Front[ispiece]. for by Thursday Morng. The subject to be from Page 10. where the stranger (who really is her father) plants the rose tree for her on her mothers grave. The Author has supplied me with a rough sketch (enclosed), as to the kind of scene wished. but which you are no further to be bound by than merely that it is chiefly wished to be a more landscape subject figures small. it shd be towards evening with a view over valley and on end of church as given otherwise you can alter. compose and make a pretty subject of it as you always do'. With reference to the future Sir John Gilbert he reports that 'Gilbert has done the vignettes for I did not know of yr return and I have left one at yr house that you may avoid any disparity in figures'. He has been 'daily expecting to call' on him, or he would have thanked him for his letter, and for 'leaving Hardings book for me'. The book is 'a great treat', which he wants to read 'with some diligence to read learn and inwardly digest it'. He wants to see what the recipient has 'done in the North', and hopes that he has 'returned invigorated'. He suggests a time when he will call, if he does not hear from him.