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1833 Earl of Egremont Autograph Letter Signed – Petworth House – Mentions Buying a Richard Wilson Painting
Rare autograph letter signed “Egremont” by George Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751–1837), dated Petworth, Nov. 24, 1833. Egremont was one of the great British art patrons of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, remembered for his support of J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, William Blake, George Stubbs, and others. His estate, Petworth House, today holds one of the finest collections of British art.
In this letter, written just four years before his death, Egremont discusses acquiring a painting by Richard Wilson (1714–1782), the famed Welsh landscape painter often called the father of British landscape art. He writes:
> “I think I will buy the Wilson, but I do not know the Lady, but I shall send her to my house. I will send her a draught for the money.”
He then remarks on the recipient’s lectures, noting with humor and detail that a powerful “Not” had been omitted in a sentence:
> “There is one sentence in which it seems that the negative is omitted, the powerful word Not, and I had marked the page, but the Children have removed the mark.”
A wonderful mix of art market correspondence and literary commentary, showing Egremont’s dual role as patron and intellectual.
Date/Place: Petworth, Nov. 24, 1833
Format: 1 page, 7.25 x 4.5 in., in ink, signed “Egremont”
Condition: Light toning, small tear at fold, otherwise very good with bold handwriting.
This is an exceptional piece of correspondence from one of Britain’s most important art patrons, directly referencing his acquisition of a Richard Wilson painting and reflecting his engagement with the literary culture of his time.
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💡 Value & Collecting Interest:
Letters of Egremont are scarce on the market, especially those referencing his art acquisitions. His role as patron to Turner and Constable makes this piece highly desirable to collectors of British art, patronage history, and Petworth House material.
