Documents associated with: Webb, William
Record 7 of 352
System Number: 06162
Date: 14 May 1878
Author: George and William Webb[1]
Place: London
Recipient: Edward William Godwin[2]
Place: London
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler W159
Document Type: ALS
GEO. & WM WEBB,
11, AUSTIN FRIARS, OLD BROAD STREET,
LONDON,
E. C.
14 May 1878
Dr Sir
Whistler
We would willingly meet yr. Certificate if we could - but we cannot lay our hands on any more money without the lease[3] - There can be no doubt that the withholding of the lease is a most ungracious act but we suppose it is the natural result of a disagreement with a man in power - The only thing to be done is for you to see Mr Vulliamy[4] & see what you can do with him - If we litigate the point - time will beat us[.] [p. 2] There should be no time[5] lost in the matter
Yours
G & W Webb -
E. W. Godwin Eq
8 Victoria Chambers
S: W
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. George and William Webb
George Webb (b. ca 1835), of G. and W. Webb. lawyer [more]; and William Webb (b. ca 1851), of G. and W. Webb, lawyer [more].
2. Edward William Godwin
Edward William Godwin (1833-1886), architect and designer [more]. Godwin was the architect of JW's studio house at Tite Street, the White House, then in the process of construction.
3. lease
The Metropolitan Board objected to the austere facade designed by Godwin. The Board withheld the lease on the property until JW and Godwin devised some additional decorative details.
4. Mr Vulliamy
George John Vulliamy (1817-1886), Superintending Architect with the Metropolitan Board of Works, London [more].
5. time
The Board's objection was delaying the completion of the White House. JW was anxious to move into the house as the lease on his current house at Cheyne Walk expired on 25 June.