Pitt-Rivers and Inman
Alfred Inman was a dealer based in London who specialised in 'Oriental' antiquities and objets d'art. It seems clear that this is not all of their original correspondence. Inman's objects are also represented in the British Museum, the vast majority given via A.W. Franks and from India. He is probably the Alfred Inman listed in the 1901 census as aged 70 (ie born around 1830) and living in Clapham, as a 'Dealer in works of art', born in Kennington, London.
Pitt-Rivers seems to have bought things from Inman from at least 1882 (recorded in first volume of the catalogue of the second collection) if not earlier. 1884.59.112, a Japanese figure, was purchased from 'Inman' on 26 September 1874, and this might be the same person although 1884.92.8, a pair of Japanese clogs, are marked in a card catalogue created in the 1920s as being from 'B. Inman', it is not known what this was based upon as there are no surviving labels that have yet been identified. If it is the same person then Inman may well have supplied objects for the founding collection, but if it is not then we do not know if Pitt-Rivers used him before 1882. Before 1888 when this surviving correspondence commences, Pitt-Rivers had bought quite a few objects from Inman, many of which are from China and Japan - the correspondence which largely relates to items from India and Burma therefore gives a slightly distorted view of Inman's interests. It is clear from the first letter that Inman was one of the dealers that Pitt-Rivers commissioned to bid at auctions on his behalf.
This correspondence is interesting because it is one of only a few surviving examples of a series of communications from a dealer to Pitt-Rivers (the only other comparable one seems to be from Sparks) and, although it is clearly not complete, presumably gives an idea of the sorts of relationships he had with dealers with whom he carried on business for many years.
B425 Inman
[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | 9 June 1888
Sir
I called at Grosvenor Gardens yesterday after the Marquis of Exeter's Sale to report to you the result of your [illegible - c...pion] to me. But having been informed that you left for Rushmore I write to inform you as follows:-
The Pair of Parrots fetched 48 Guineas
The Pair of White Jugs (Lizard Handles) 17 gns!
The Cup with Red Band 7 gns!
Therefore they fetched about three times as much as the limit to my bidding put them.
There was a full room of company and fair competition. No doubt the value of the objects was enhanced by reason of their coming from such a distinguished collection.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant
Alfred Inman
PS I enclose Catalogue marked with a few of the prices obtained
Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 15 95
Sir
I beg to send you enclosed copy of J. Fergusson upon the subject of the Italian origin of the inlaid coloured stones upon white marble, which I had known of long, but have only just met with their authority. The copy is in pencil because made of a Library from which pen and ink are excluded.
I am now ...ing [illegible] diligent search for a small specimen of this inlay made in Italy, and will report again when successful.
I have communicated a written list of the objects derived from the Exhibition Court, and now await a reply. From Elkington's however I have ascertained that the prices of their replicas of the Repoussé Bowls - silver plated - is Eight and Ten Guineas according to size
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
P.S. The written invoice was kept back until I wrote
Pencil-written notes attached headed 'From History of Indian and Eastern Architecture by James Fergusson DCL &c &c 3rd volume John Murray 1891 Page 588 Book VII Chap X ... [not transcribed]
Inman obtained a series of wood carvings etc from the Indian exhibition Earl's Court London, in September 1895, see Add.9455vol3_p1232 /1 and on
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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 18 95
Sir
I have the pleasure to forward herewith enclosed Two small specimens of Old English Lacquer work such as I understood you wished me to procure. The prices are 2/- for that upon metal, and 10/- for that upon Wood.
Since I wrote last I have visited the South Kensington Museum (Indian section) and viewed the two pieces of Inlay looted by Sir John Jones and now enclose herewith two rough sketches of them. As Dr J. Fergusson remarks, the Slabs with Birds, Fruits, & Foliage resemble most forcibly the recent Florentine work. I am still seeking a specimen of the latter.
I further beg to enclose some remarks of Dr Sir Geo Birdwood further upon the same subject.
With regard to the three objects entrusted to me by the Hon Mrs Pitt Rivers I have to report that they have all been placed in the hands (repaired) of the Housemaid left behind at No. 4 Grosvenor Gardens.
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury
Pencil-written notes attached headed 'From Dr Sir George Birdwood's Industrial Arts of India Part II (South Kensington Museum Hand Book page 214 ... [not transcribed]
The Old English lacquer ware is probably Add.9455vol3_p1124 /2-3
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Ansd by Gray June 25/95
[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 22 95
Dear Sir
Please to receive herewith enclosed Two Small Specimens of Italian Inlay of coloured stones upon marble. These are forwarded subject to your approbation. If not approved of it is necessary that they should be returned to me promptly in order that I may recover the purchase money which I had to pay the Italian who furnished them before I could obtain possession of them. Their price is twelve shillings each.
I cannot hear of any massive pieces like the Agra Lota from the Indian Exhibition Only flat objects - plaques &c
I have also met with two pairs of pieces of Pietro-Duso as follows:-
Two rectangular plagues [sic] of Black marble 20 inches by 16 inches containing a Vase of flowers - formed of inlaid coloured stones in alto relievo Price £10 the pair plus 5%
Two Oval Plaques ditto ditto but smaller & with the addition of fruit, cherries &c of inlaid coloured stones in alto relievo Price £7.10/- the pair plus 5%.
The Italian from whom I procured these small specimens has two more of the cherry [illegible] similar to that sent herewith at the same price. Also he had a plaque of convolli with some lapis lazuli in the inlay price fifteen shillings. Also two ill defined pictures of coloured inlay at one guinea each. Subject of one is a classical temple, rocks &c and of the other of a [illegible] and rocks. The sizes of these are in proportion to their price, as compared with those now sent.
The whole of this inlay work is from Italy. I cannot hear of any of this work being made at the present time or imported.
Of these two enclosed plaques the Bird & Tulip subject is considered the older.
I am,
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
Pitt-Rivers obviously bought these, the bird and tulip mosaic is Add.9455vol3_p1121 /2, Add.9455vol3_p1121 /3 depicts cherries so might have been the other.
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Ansd July 12/95
[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. |11 July 1895
Dear Sir
Since my conversation with you yesterday respecting Italian inlaid marble Chess plaque I have attended a [illegible] Christie [illegible] & Woods sale by Public Auction to day and I have there purchased a beautifully inlaid Italian marble Chess Table the price of which if you take it over from now will be to you Four Guineas - and I hope that you will do so, as I have no need for it myself, and acted upon the opportunity to the best of my judgement.
It is not the comparatively simple plaque which I described to you (that had already changed ownership) but it is already and perfectly mounted as a Table. complete upon a splendid Sienna marble pillar or pediment.
It is altogether a very handsome piece of Italian inlay work and worth double the price I have mentioned [illegible]
I shall be very pleased to receive your orders to forward it to you - it shall be carefully packed.
I am, Sir,
Your obdt Servant
Alfred Inman
[Enclosed drawing shown here]
Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
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Ansd Sept 18/95
[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | July 27 1895
Dear Sir
With reference to the exhibits in the Glass Cases of the Earls Court Indian Exhibition, and especially to those particular objects which you pointed out to me, I have to report that although I made application immediately respecting them I have been unable to obtain from those in charge more than negative information about the greater part of them i.e. - that they cannot find out from the owners that the [insert] objects [end insert] are for sale - and as those owners are mostly private individuals the chances are against my being able to procure them. One piece that you wished for has een applied for by other parties, namely;- A fine Silver repoussé Bowl with medallions of figures & having open work near rim, about eight inches diameter. But this is not for sale.
I have already reported that the collection of metal bowls of Burmese Repoussé work, of which you wished a pair, are Replicas manufactured & exhibited by [illegible] Elkington & Co. whose price, they [illegible] me, was from £8 to £10 each. But of course I do nothing further with these until I have further instruction from you.
Yesterday however I have ascertained that one fine piece of Kooftkarri work from the Panjab, which you selected, is for sale! I enclose a pencil sketch of it herewith to assist in identifying it. The metal is steel, and it is silverplated in part & chiefly kooft with silver upon the blue steel field. It also has gold kooft work over it. The kooft ornament is very fine, and altogether it is an important piece. The price is seven guineas and a half. The height is about Fifteen inches. It is in Glass Case XXIII Number 1313.
In connection with the above I wish to add that I have in my own collection in Ebury Street a small "[illegible]" or scentholder, from the same place, of the same material, Kooft all over with ornament & arabesque in Gold only height four inches price ten shillings only!
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury
[Sketch not enclosed]
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Memorandum | To: Genl Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gardens
[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | 12 Oct 1895
Please receive herewith
Catalogue of Indian Exhibition
Pencil sketch of Figure 3 feet high for sale (one of a pair)
Pencil sketches of figures 2 feet high for sale Single
and of Pair 4 feet 6 ins high not for sale
NB the Pair of Demons supporting a Bell belong to Lord Roberts At page 230 of Catalogue is matter expressing Indian marble inlay AI
[2 drawings attached, and shown here]
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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.
Dear Sir
I beg to inform you that I have received a reply from Mrs Bercus the owner of the larger pair of Burmese carved wooden figures stating that she does not wish to part with them. So I have applied to the Superintendent at the Indian Exhibition Earls Court upon your behalf for the Pair nos 230 & 232 price £4.10/- and I am to have possession of them immediately upon the closing of the Exhibition tomorrow, when I propose if I do not hear to the contrary to pack them carefully in a large case and despach [sic] them to your address. They are the large pair, three feet high, of which I furnished you a sketch of one of the figures, and the other figure is similar.
I have also written to the owners direct of other objects which you wished for - but so far the answers received have ben against disposing of them.
I now beg to enclose a bill of this last transaction - together with a statement of outstandings - and as I shall have to pay the Exhibition balance upon clearing there & the Kooftkarri Chardan (which I will forward at the same time) I shall be greatly obliged by a Cheque.
I remain,
Your obed. servant
Alfred Inman
25 Oct 95
General A. Pitt Rivers
Oct. 25 1895
General A. Pitt Rivers
The Kooftkarri Chardon is Add.9455vol3_p1232 /1
Bought of ...
Oct 8
From Indian Exhibition Earls Court One pair Carved Gong holders & pole Nos 230 & 232 £4.10.0
My commission 4/6
Oct 14
From Ditto Ditto catalogue 1/-
[Total] 4.15.6
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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.
Sir
I beg to advise the despatch this day to your address of the Kooftkarri Chardan procured from the Indian Exhibition at Earls Court this day. They were unable yet to deliver up the Burmese Carved Wood Gong Holding Figures.
But I cleared upon my own a/c Four Burmese Figures of small size carved in wood - and as you expressed a wish to see them I have enclosed them in the package sent off to you today. Their price is Thirty shillings net for the whole four.
The favor of an answer to my request of the 25th inst. will greatly oblige
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
30 Oct 95
General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
The figures are Add.9455vol3_p1233/1 and on
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Memo
Attendance had to be given at the Indian Exhibition Offices on four separate days vix Oct 23, 38 & 30, & Nov 1 before delivery could be effected.
Because the larger figures had been sold at the Exhibition also to Messrs Emmanuel of Portsmouth, who were unwilling to give them up I had to insist upon our right to them.
AI
2 Nov 95.
17 Ebury St SW
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Ansd Feb. 27/ 96
[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.
Sir
Amongst the objects exhibited at the Earls Court Indian Exhibition were some ancient bronzes each with two long prongs which proved to be hair combs - and which you desired to add to your collection. After much delay the owner has informed me that he is willing to part with them. They come from Southern India & belong to Colonel Shelley Leigh-Hunt who was quartered there for thirty years. At present he resides at "Dol-Peris" Bournemouth West.
I beg at the same time to inform you that Col. Leigh-Hunt is also the owner of an important Shrine and Stand of which I hand you by this post, under separate cover, two photographs and a printed description, which he is desirous of selling. He has them all at "Dol-Peris" Bournemouth West, where they can be inspected any day by appointment.
With reference to your enquiry last month, and in continuation of my letter in reply, I have interviewed the parties from whom I procured the Hispano-Mauro Lustre Ware in question. They deal indirectly with the two brothers in Spain who have revived that art manufacture. I am unable to procure further particulars. But if you give me an order for more of that ware I will with pleasure put it in the right channel for execution.
I am, Sir,
Your obed. Servant
Alfred Inman
26 Feb 96
General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
The Hispano Mauro ware is Add.9455vol3_p1228 /2 and on, the hair ornaments are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.
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Ansd May 15/ 97
[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir
Regilding Buddha
With reference to the audience granted me by the Hon. Mrs Pitt Rivers, and in continuation of my letter of the 4 May *, I now beg to state as a Revised Estimate that for the sum of Nine pounds, more or less, the large and important Figure of Buddha can be cleaned and repaired in its present situation, have its Stand ReLacquered, and the feet, hands, breast, neck, and face regilt with the best English Gold, and in the first style of workmanship.
If the missing Nimbus was to be regilt, or the Figure taken away by your order, both would involve extra expense.
I cannot recommend its being done with inferior gold as it would soon assume a bad appearance like some parts that have been so treated already, probably because the great value of proper gold could not be afforded at the time.
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
6 May 97
* Note that the letter of 4 May 1897 is not included in S&SWM PR papers. Pitt-Rivers had several Buddha figures, it is not clear which, if any, listed in the second collection catalogue this refers to.
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Inman | Ansd May 19/97
[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 17 May 1897
Dear Sir,
Upon receipt of your letter of the 15th I called today at no. 4 Grosvenor Gardens and made search for the Nimbus in the small Room where the Buddha is stored, but found it not. But I was informed that the other Store rooms were locked. So I applied (by direction) to Mr Mann, House Agent, and he informed me that the Keys of those rooms are with The Hon. Mrs Pitt Rivers. I will immediately [illegible] search further upon obtaining the keys
I judged that there was originally a Nimbus by the presence in the Stand, at the back of the two feet, of an opening cut to receive something.
That might have been a long upright bar about five feet high with a golden circle, which sets along the back of the head - Or there might have been instead a broad flat canopy (?Lotus Leaf) rising from the heels up to the crown of the head over which it terminated in a conical point. May I ask if it is known what was really there.
Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman
To: Harold Gray | Rushmore | Salisbury
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 20 August 1897
Please receive herewith upon approbation
One length of Delhic printed Cotton Dado (with half yard wide bands of various colors @ sixpence per panel Eleven = 5/6 (1 yard in depth)
One Square of Delhic printed Cotton Cloth (42 inches) for 2/6
One Portion of Delhic Cotton Cloth printed in colors - 4 yards long by two yards wide - centre design of the "Tree of Life" for 10/6
General A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
"Jeypur" Palampres Printed in Colors on fine Cotton with
One larger, 4 yards long by 2 yards wide, Dark yellow ground Richly covered with Rafaellesque designs of Squirrels [illegible] Peacocks, Large Sunflowers [illegible] &c for 10/6
One Ditto with White Border & Dark Yellow Filling in Centre & Tigers & Antelopes in Dado for 7/6
One Ditto upon rich Yellow ground all over - Design of small [illegible] pattern of Bouquets and small arcade in [illegible] with sprigs of flowers facing the centre for 7/6
NB Other patterns can be supplied & further quantities
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 20 August 1897
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note this morning, and I will make Enquiries of those who lately constituted themselves a Burmese Company & imported the Carved Teak Door Posts and then write to you again whether they can be obtained now
And I have to impress you that I have just despatched to your address by Parcel Post a Parcel of 5 Indian Cotton Cloths printed with subjects in Colors - all upon approbation. A list of them accompanies the parcel.
With regard to the decoration of the White Panels of Concert of the Indian House from Benares I shall be obliged if you will allow me a few days before replying more definitely - I have in my memory only an unpleasant recollection of crude designs of gods and animals painted in glaring body color - which I always considered degenerate art. But I will make it my object to look up this subject, and write again.
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
It seems clear that these door posts and panels which will from now dominate Inman and Pitt-Rivers surviving correspondence relates to objects being obtained for display at the Larmer Tree Gardens.
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir,
Yours of 20 August
With regard to the Burmese Carved Teak Door Posts I beg to inform you that the Company which imported those you had has wound up its affairs, and ceased to exist. After a good many enquiries amongst other Indian Importers I cannot meet, or hear of, any other Door Posts. And I consider that if you require several of them the best way will be to order them direct from Burma, which I can do at once.
I am in constant communication with Burma, and feel that there Posts can be readily procured from there. [sic]
I have been turning my attention to the subject of the decoration of the Old house from Benares. Such a structure as a Goldsmith shop would not require elaborate decoration. The Wood work should be coated with body colors in a harmonious way, yet in simple style - which I could scheme out easily if I saw the building or had some drawings of it, or measurements of the parts requiring special embellishment. I have seen authorities for subjects to paint on the Panels, and I wold furnish designs for several groups, figures, animals, Hunting subjects, Gods &c when I know more about the structure. These designs cannot be furnished by me well at this stage - they would require scheming out from my recollections of Indian styles of ornamentation, aided by scattered authorities.
If it is inconvenient to render measured sketches of the house at Larmer, I would offer myself to come and after viewing there and then to submit places to you
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
25 Augt 97
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
PS And I would beg to offer to bring down proper colors, & other materials, with implements, for carrying out upkeep the beginnings of such work as you wish as far as can be done off hand, leaving the rest to be added afterwards AI
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Ansd Sept 3/97
[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir,
Indian House Decoration
In continuation of my last one the above subject it has occurred to me that one method towards the work could be by painting figures, animals, arabesques of conventional ornament, or hunting groups &c upon loose squares of lincrusta or similar material. These I could execute and then forward these to be fitted in the panel spaces. But if it is considered desirable to paint these subjects direct on to the plaster of the panels, which appears to me to be the proper thing, then I could prepare designs for the series - or better still submit to you before hand data, and sketches, and explanations in person
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
5 Sep 97
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
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Ansd Sept 13/97
[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 3rd Sep'r and to report that I have traced the Burmese Carvings your enquiries about the possession of the Indo-China Curio Trading Company whose address is on the Third Floor of No. 58 New Bond Street. The various parts they have scattered now - some are in use, and others lying in store - but they state that they are prepared to dispose of the whole of the party as they were fitted and displayed last year at the Earls Court Exhibition for £65. Or if only the two central pieces are required then price could be £30.
The "whole Lot" would include the supporting Pillars, six or eight in number. The whole Lot enclosed a Front of 45 feet, and its two returns of 13 feet each marking a total of 71 linear feet [illegible] - The colouring of those I saw in use, differed from those lying in store.
The Company have lent me a Photograph mounted in a glazed frame, which I have unfixed for the purpose of sending herewith for your information. From this photo you will observe how the whole structure has been developedd out of the two centre pieces which alone are Burmese Carvings of Teak, and [insert] which [end insert] were planned in Burma for the two stern plates of a large Rowing Boat! which I may be able to speak more about hereafter.
And the whole of the remaining arches [insert] &c [end insert] as seen in the Photo, were carved out of deal wood in this country to carry on the design. And the Company state that they were [illegible] to [illegible] expenses about it, but can utilize the whole again for the same purpose. Although not authorized by them to say so, I should think that if only a portion of the 71 feet run is required that they would sell.
On the other hand if you wish to have all genuine Teak Wood Carvings I can undertake to procure them from Burma to your own designs - or to your general wishes & dimensions leaving the Burmese Carvers to carry the same out in their own good style. I see my way clear to getting this done.
Regarding the subject to be painted in the upper space of the thirty or more posts of the woodwork of the Benares House I am making some pencil sketches of designs for these - to be more elaborated and coloured either here or by the painter who executes the work on the spot. These will be forwarded in a few days. In the meantime I enclose with this (as per List) some native drawings &c - for ideas of the decoration.
Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman
Sep 8 97
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
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Memorandum | 11 Sep 1897
To: General A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury
Please receive herewith
A sketch shewing where Teak Carvings are placed in the stern of a Rangoon Boat
11 Designs for use in painting top spaces in posts of Benares House. More designs can be made for the whole of the posts, and tints given as to colouring if required.
3 objects collected from the Shans upon the Burmo-Chinese frontier. These have just come into my possession from an Officer from Bhamo in the NE of Burma. One is a Powder Flask - the other two are their primitive contrivances for producing Fire. This is done by wrapping round the ramrod a prepared tinder - then driving some home securely when the Rammer is withdrawn with the Tinder ignited Price for the three pieces + one sovereign
AI
PS I have many Oriental Drawings colored which are not Indian
The Shan objects appear to be Add.9455vol7_p2163 /5 and on
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Ansd Sept 3/97
[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir,
I duly received back in good condition the photograph of the Exhibition Carved arcade work, and upon receipt of your letter of Sep 20, I applied to Capt. Pritchard for a detailed drawing or a Photograph of the Moulmein Three Fold Screen, and I am happy to say that he hopes to send a photograph of it in a few days.
To day, however, I have met with a Carved Teak Doorway of which I enclose a sketch. The carving itself is due to arrive here on the 4th October. It is described as finely carved. Price Thirty guineas. Extreme height 10 feet 6 inches Extreme width 5 feet.
I take this opportunity to submit herewith enclosed ten more colored designs for the embellishment of the Benares House as promised.
Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman
24 Sep 97
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir,
I beg to inform you with reference to the carved Indian Porch advised in my letter to you of the 24th ultimo that the owners will be prepared on Friday [illegible] [insert] 8th [end insert] next to have parts of it unpacked and ready for your inspection at the West End if arranged for beforehand - and I shall be glad to know your wishes respecting it.
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman
5 Oct 97
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir,
In continuation of my letter of 5 Oct. I beg to report that I went this day at the time appointed by the Owner of the Carved Teak Porch and found the whole set out for show and erected. The drawing sent you gives a fair representation of the Porch, excepting that it does not do the original full justice - in that the doorway does not shew the back, and that I found to be the same as the front - with projecting embelling [?] at the back & all else repeated - so that back & front are similarly carved in the remarkably fine style. I have full confidence in recommending it for purchase.
Now that it has been erected, and displayed its beauty, the owner has raised it in is estimation. He will still keep the offer open a short time, but asks for payment before it is removed, which must be at our risk & expense.
Any instructions you may favor me with in respect to it shall receive my careful attention. And if you decide to have it, please forward me a cheque for it as below
Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman
8 Oct 97
31.10.0
2.2.0
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£38.12.0
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury
PS. The owner considers it worth very much more, & I think he is right. And there is none other now to be had.
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Sir,
With reference to the pair of East Indian Lacquered Wooden "Dandahs" in my possession, they are used in Native Schools, Oude, India when the Pupils repeat Poetry. Mine were sent home by Government to the Indian section of the International Exhibition South Kensington held in the year 1871, and I have kept them ever since.
They are interesting as shewing an aid to the memory and to the utterance of poetry and no doubt are a survival of something very ancient. Probably Castignettes and the Conductor's Baton are similar survivals.
The late R. Jefferies in his pleasing work "Wild Life in a Southern [insert] English [end insert] County" page 131 writes as follows of his experience of something similar
"Another ancient used to come round to the Fann Houses once or twice in a year with a couple of long ashen staves and the ceremony performed by him consisted in dancing these two sticks together in a fantastic way to some old rhyme or story."
AI
April 98
Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
These items do not appear to have been purchased by Pitt-Rivers or at least they are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
Dear Sir,
The Silver Pot with some gold on its Cover is shaped as the Lotus Flower and enamelled in chaste colors. It is used as a Toilet pot in Siam and came to me from Mr Cardew's Collection from Bangkok. Several objects are shewn in the Indian Museum [insert] S.K. [end insert] from Siam by him.
The cigar shaped pendant ornament came to me from the Collector who resided in Nepaul but in the parcel I [illegible] were [illegible] small pieces which he said he brought from Thibetan House and the Dealers who come into Nepaul in large number during the summer time. I believe it to be worn suspended from the neck. And in Nepaul they also wear a crescent shaped gorget about the throat, and I remember seeing in the French Army, during Louis Philippe's reign Officers wearing crescent shaped gorgets about the throat.
This cigar shaped ornament came to me in fact at the same time as the Nepaulese "Panas" of large size now standing in the place of the Inner Hall at Rushmore.
AI
April 98
The Nepalese gorget appears to be Add.9455vol7_p2162 /2, the toilet pot from Thailand is Add.9455vol7_p2167 /1. The Panas are Add.9455vol3_p1004 /5
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[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.
23.4.1898 [in pencil]
Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore
Sir,
I took the opportunity last week of inspecting the two Indian Houses in the Larmer Grounds, and have had under consideration the decoration of their blank panels.
With regard to those on the interior walling, after various methods have occurred to me, I consider that the Gold Indian coloured designs on cloth, which you proposed, are very suitable under all the circumstances and I have nto yet met with anything better than one dozen of Purdahs of this material, a pattern of which I now send by post, shewing that they all differ but are of the same general design, and the "Tree of Life" in each is characteristic.
Some of the Panels at Larmer are eight feet in height, others six feet but most of them are nearer three feet.
I would propose that the Tree should be cut out of these Purdahs with sufficient bordering to fill up the larger panels. And for the numerous smaller panels that the Dado Cloth of similar make and coloring (of which I will also now send a small pattern) should be used, likewise cut up at the junction of each arcaded division varying in colours viz: Rich White, Blue, & Yellow Grounds.
They would field [sic] a filling surface of eighteen inches wide and three feet high, or less, according as wanted. And if greater heighs [sic] than three feet is wanted that might be obtained by borrowing the lower branches and base off another arcade of same color and joining them neatly beneath the upper branches of the first, so as to finish off the first with a taller tree.
The raw edges of the cloth could be covered and fixed in position in each panel by some thin narrow wooden beading, and the whole decoration carried out readily in an effective and inexpensive way - at the same time [insert] being [end insert] thoroughly harmonious Indian decoration.
The price of the Purdah is Five shillings, & of the Dado Cloth eight pence each arcade of half yard wide. And some of the handsome bordering that remains after cutting out, might be utilized in the side or bye panels.
Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman
23 April 98
PS. Enclosed I beg to return, with my best thanks, the last bill duly receipted
Pitt-Rivers purchased some of these Indian textiles in 1890, though it is not clear from the catalogue of the second collection what use he acquired it for then, see Add.9455vol2_p658 /1 and Add.9455vol2_p658 /3
Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011
