Three ALS/handwritten letters by artist Edward H. Corbould (1815-1905), with comical, illustrated envelopes: references Phil May, teaching painting to the royal family, written from 1899 to 1913

London, 1899. Letter. Very good. a. 1pp dated February 24, 1899, dashed off on a letter/envelope form, which was preaddressed to George Pocock, Esq. Royal Blind Pension Society, now crossed through and addressed to to A. Chantrey Corbould, Pembroke Road. Note in pencil reads: 'Dear Chantery, Can you give Mr. Pulow (who is a Saxon) the address of Phil May? his object is no doubt - to get engagement to sit for his head to any artist. Your affectionate Uncle, Edward H Corbould. b. 2pp letter dated October 5, 1899 to Dr. R. G. Maitland Coffin, Redcliffe Square, Earl's Court on watermarked paper, in very rich, deep ink with many personalizations and playfulness in font and pen use, Letter and enveloped decorated with doodles and signed. a passage reads: 'By the way, you asked me to tell you how many of the Royal Family I had as Pupils? The fact was that with the exception of Prince Arthur Duke of Conwaught::::::::::Prince Leapold Duke of Albany and Princess Beatrice, I taught them all. They all possessed natural talent for Original design. (I hate copies!). Who would value a copy of a play or a poem by Shakespear, written by the linen draper's apprentice? I detest mere copies! I would far sooner have a poor original work than an admirable copy (whom ever fails to possess the spirit and touch of originality) My Royal Pupils were HRH Victoria Princess Royal, HRH Princess Alice, HRH Albert Edward Prince of Wales, HRH Alfred Duke of Edinburg, HRH Princess Helena and HRH Princess Louise."c. 1pp letter on Golden Crescent watermarked paper dated March 12, 1901 to Dr. Maitland once more with comically illustated envelope, a silly stamp character and pipe smoking smiley face. letter reads: 'As you have not as yet sent for the head of the talented cove of Ancient Greece, I take the liberty of forwarding it now! I say 'now' - because just at this moment - it happens not to be raining - (although prehaps a trifle of washing might improve the effect of the countenance, which you thoguht might look well in your hall) Yours very truly, Edward Henry Courbould, R.I. (doodle with palette). P.S. My head will not admit of my coming to your house yet!Housed in James Tregaskis envelope. 

Many of his Corbould's works were acquired by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and his royal pupils, including an illustration of Alfred Tennyson's Morte d'Arthur presented by Queen Victoria to Princess Louise, and 'Henry VI welcomed to London after his Coronation in Paris, and The Iconoclasts of Basle', acquired by the Empress Frederick for the imperial collection in Berlin.