KITCHENER, Horatio Herbert, 1st Earl (1850-1916). Field Marshal.
Two Autograph Letters Signed ('Kitchener') to [H.C.] Marillier, 5 pages 8vo, Whitehall Court and Balmoral Castle, 20 August and 7 September no year (probably both the same year). Asking Marillier's opinion on the coverings of chairs (for his new home, Broome Park), discussing the possibility of having his arms embroidered on the backs, and suggesting that he might himself source material in Egypt.

'... There is no hurry for the chair as my house is not yet ready for furniture. In Egypt I might find some old stuff suitable to cover it. ... If I had my arms embroidered in dull colours on the back without much gold what would it cost approximately? I rather like the P of Wales' chair at Carnarvon would it be very expensive in the untrecht velvet or in stuff I might be able to collect. ...' [20 August]

'I think I know all I require about the chairs [now plural?]. If I can find some suitable old stuff in Cairo I daresay later I shall ask you to make me a chair and cover it. ...'

[Henry Currie] Mariller (1865-1951) was a distinguished writer and expert on tapestries. In 1897 he had purchased Kelmscott House, Hammersmith, William Morris's old home and he joined the Morris company as managing director. It was presumably the Morris company that would have been responsible for actually making the chair (or chairs). The present letters almost certianly date from 1911, as Kitchener would have been aware from about July onwards that he was to go to Egypt as governor. He arrived there on 29 September.

The reverse of one letter is covered in pencilled calculations of the cost of the chair(s) and coverings.
[No: 26606]