Letters [photostats], 1767-1787.

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Letters [photostats], 1767-1787.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/261235104

Copies of 13 letters written by Henry Benbridge from Rome, London, and Charleston, South Carolina, and one written to him by his step-father Thomas Gordon from Philadelphia. From London, Benbridge reported on visits with Benjamin West and Benjamin Franklin and his plans to show some of his portraits at an upcoming exhibition. In one letter, Benbridge discussed West's intention to do history paintings rather than portraits, and his hopes that this would open a place for him in the portrait market. Benbridge believed he could make as good as living in America as in London, for although he could not charge as much per painting, nevertheless, the cost of living in America was lower. Over half the letters are addressed to his sister Elizabeth Saltar and were written from Charleston, chiefly after the American Revolution. These letters contain family news and discussed the exchange of plants, but several times he mentioned that he stayed busy with painting commissions. In one letter, Benbridge asked his sister's help to forestall Mrs. Sage, his son Harry's grandmother, from spoiling the boy while he was living in Philadelphia with her.

14 items.

Winterthur Library

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SNAC Resource ID: 7156036

Winterthur Library

Related Entities

There are 5 Entities related to this resource.

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6bs9j71 (person)

Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSA FRSE (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1706] – April 17, 1790) was an American polymath who was active as a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher. Among the leading intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the United States Declaration of Independence, and the first United States postmaster general. As a scientist, he was a major figure in ...

Salter family.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6qc91cw (family)

Bembridge, Henry, 1743-1812

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6vx1dp6 (person)

Henry Benbridge was a portrait and historical painter and a miniaturist. He was born in Philadelphia on October 20, 1743, the son of James and Mary Benbridge. James Benbridge died in 1751 and his widow then married Thomas Gordon. Henry is believed to have studied with John Wollaston in Philadelphia. From 1765-1769, Henry studied in Italy. He also spent some time in London before returning to Philadelphia in 1770. Around 1771, Henry married Hetty Sage, a miniaturist who had studied with Charles W...

Gordon family.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6842pz8 (family)

West, Benjamin, 1728-1820.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6km09hr (person)