WILLIAM HOWLEY (1766–1848), Archbishop of Canterbury — AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (“W. Cantuar:”), LAMBETH, 26 JULY 1833, RECOMMENDING AN UNIDENTIFIED GENTLEMAN FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM FOLLOWING THE VACANCY CAUSED BY THE DEATH OF THE 1st DUKE OF SUTHERLAND.
A strong, formal letter written in Howley’s capacity as Archbishop of Canterbury, one of the ex officio Trustees of the British Museum under the original 1753 Act. The death of George Granville Leveson‑Gower, 1st Duke of Sutherland, earlier in 1833 created a vacancy among the Museum’s governing body. Howley writes to an unidentified gentleman, proposing his name for election by the Trustees — a process governed internally by the Board rather than by hereditary succession or Crown appointment.
The letter is a revealing example of high‑level cultural patronage and the internal mechanics of British Museum governance in the early 19th century. Howley emphasises both the candidate’s suitability for the “Establishment” and his own “personal sentiments of esteem and regard,” reflecting the social and political weight behind such nominations.
Full Transcription:
Lambeth July 26. 1833
My dear Sir,
A vacancy having been caused at the British Museum by the death of the Duke of Sutherland, I am not acquainted with any one who could be placed in the situation of Trustee, with so much advantage to the Establishment, & satisfaction to the Trustees in general, as yourself. If you will allow me the pleasure of proposing your name to the electing Trustees, I shall have the double gratification of consulting the interests of the Museum, and my own personal sentiments of esteem and regard.
I have the honor to remain, My dear Sir, Your very faithful servant, W. Cantuar:
A historically valuable letter documenting the governance of the British Museum, the role of senior ecclesiastical figures in cultural administration, and the social politics surrounding trustee elections. Howley’s letters in his official capacity are sought after, and examples relating directly to national institutions are particularly desirable.
Condition as photos. Guaranteed Original. All items can be returned for a full refund if found to be not as described.
William Howley (Feb 1766 – Feb 1848) was a clergyman in the Church of England. He served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1828 to 1848.
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One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil.
Winifred Alice Myers (1909 - 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004.
Complete with digital .jpg CoA - as photo - for you to print if needed
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