Reference
Z937/37/2
Title
Letter and plans from John Russell, joiner of St. Mary's, Bedford, posted from Kimbolton, Hunts to Mr Smith [Sir William Smyth of Old Warden?] at the house of Mr Sharp, curate of Stepney, Middlesex .
Specifications for panel mouldings for a room in Mr Smith's house. Russell is working at the Earl of Manchester's [at Kimbolton] on the "Salome" or room of state of which he details an unusual "dentill cornish" panel moulding, the proportions of which are not understood by "common workmen". Joiners are working at columns and pallisters, which is costing the Earl 200.
Russell will be in Bedford shortly as he's nearly finished at the Earl's. "When I was at warden, Sir, them insolent prating self conceited men, surprised me so with there misbehaveiour, that I could not observe your worships hous; nor have time to look into the secrets of there work" and "I understand by the carpteners [sic] prating he will commite a great Blunder, if I misunderstand him not". He was abused and mistreated by the workers: "they houted and stoned me as farr as they could see and reach me" but this will not deter him from laying open "all there Blunders and misuage of your favers".
Includes diagrams in ink and pencil of a proposed 12' panel with moulding, margin, sub bass, bass and skirting board. Also sections of the Belexion, bass and sub bass moldings, and the cornice - scima recta, scima reversa, upper list, corona, ouolo and dentill. "This Cornish is after the Ionick order but is allso proper to the Corinthian order".
Note on reverse in different hand "Memo to take my key"
11 November 1710
Date free text
1710
Production date
From: 1710 To: 1710
Exent
1 sheet folded, No. of pieces: 1
Handwritten
Format
sheet of paper
Level of description
item