L30/14/229/1

From 2nd Baron Grantham in Madrid to Mr Luigi (draft - in French):

17 Dec 1775/6?

From: 1775 To: 1776

Translation: Sir, I have now received in Madrid the bowl, vase and silver cup which Monsignor Vincenti ordered for me. I have written to beg him to indicate to you how pleased I am in every way with this work. I have seen other work from your hand at the houses of the Comte de Gazola and the Cardinal Nuncio and admired the inventiveness as much as the execution, which was what decided me to give the commission, about which I will explain in detail. I am sending to you, in the luggage of the aforementioned Cardinal Nuncio, two Saxony porcelain bowls, whose handles are at the moment in the worst of taste. Also, the foot is very heavy and a poor shape. If it is possible, could you remove the handles completely and replace them in silver gilt with a design of fauns, bacchants, heads and [illegible], or with animals like tigers, which are appropriate for their use as containers for liqueur wine. As for the foot, it could perhaps be made smaller or hidden by some leaves or a basket or some grille work. In the end I entrust myself to your good taste, to provide a simple, beautiful; and antique shape to these vases which are very precious in themselves. I prefer silver to gilded bronze as they are intended for table use, Take great care that the gilding be of a good colour. I beg you to undertake this work as soon as possible. It is probable that Mr Pelham, a young gentleman and close relative, will come to see you before Easter, as much to make your acquaintance as to see the progress of this work. It only remains for me to beg you to acknowledge receipt of this as soon as it arrives, with a bill for how much it will cost to make these changes. Monsignor Vincenti will doubtless have paid you for the bowl etc but he has not sent me the bill. I am Sir, you very humble servant, Grantham.

item

Vincenti,
Pelham, Thomas,
Gazola,
Nuncio

household ornaments, Turin