Letters of Elizabeth Eastlake to various correspondents., 1840-1893.

Sub-Series

Identifier: MSS.42167-42179

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Journalist and writer on art, Elizabeth Eastlake, née Rigby (1809-1893) was a prolific writer in the 19th century. She published, through John Murray, her works about travel and art. In addition, Eastlake was an important contributor to the 'Quarterly Review'. Eastlake corresponded with three generations of the Murray family and was on particularly close terms with John Murray [III]. Eastlake was a member of the Murray circle and formed friendships with other mutual acquaintances, including the archaeologist Sir Austen Henry Layard. Eastlake also met her future husband, Charles Eastlake, at a dinner given by John Murray [III].

This is a large and significant collection of correspondence of Elizabeth Eastlake, containing over 200 letters. The main recipients are Sara Austen, Austen Henry Layard and John Murray [III], although there are also letters to other members of the Murray family. In addition, there are some letters of, to or concerning Elizabeth Eastlake with other correspondents.

Dates

Creation: 1840-1893.

Creator

From the Fonds: John Murray (publishers, London) (Originator, Organization)
From the Fonds: Murray, family, of London, publishers (Family)

Conditions Governing Access

Normal access conditions apply.

Conditions Governing Use

Normal reprographic conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.

Extent

13 Folders

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

Letters have been arranged alphabetically by correspondent surname. The assorted letters have been placed together at the end of the sequence.

Custodial History

The correspondence of Elizabeth Eastlake to Austen Henry Layard came to the Murray family through the wife of Alexander Henry Hallam Murray, Alicia du Cane, who was a niece of Enid Layard.

Related Materials

MS.41104. Letters, 1890-1899, to John Murray, publishers, of Charles Eastlake Smith. The letters for 1895 concern the publication of the "Journals and correspondence of Lady Eastlake", which Smith edited.

Bibliography

Eastlake, Elizabeth. (ed. Charles Eastlake Smith). "Journals and correspondence of Lady Eastlake", 2 volumes (London: John Murray, 1895).

Sheldon, Julie (ed.), 'Letters of Elizabeth Rigby, Lady Eastlake', (Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 2009).