Description
Autograph Letter Signed, to “my dear Richmond”, about a portrait, incorporating a story with a humorous little sketch of a woman in a toque. 4 pp. 7 x 4 inches, in good condition. 170 Queens Gate, 30 July 1907. On the headed writing paper of 170 Queens Gate. Norman Shaw designed this house for Frederick Anthony White, a wealthy cement manufacturer and amateur of art and architecture. It was completed in 1889. The initials of the first owner and his wife may be seen on the rainwater heads on the south façade, and the White family crest forms part of the decoration of the front door. Mr White seems to have been very proud of his house and issued a portfolio of photographs in the early nineties, with exterior and interior views of his home. “When Mr Fred White lived there, with all his beautiful things round him, [170] was one of the most attractive houses in London” wrote Sir Reginald Blomfield in his biography of Shaw.