Reference code
GI/1/27
Title
Joseph Bonomi, to John Gibson
Date
[1861]
Level
Item
Extent & medium
1 piece
Historical Background
Bonomi, despite having few architectural qualifications for the post, overcame his critics to take up the curatorship of the Sir John Soane's Museum in 1861. The post gave him the stability of a permanent salary.
Content Description
Bonomi had been working in the Castello Palazzo, drawing the duke [of Northumberland's] Egyptian antiquities for publication. He gives some personal news, and informs Gibson that he had been elected by the Council of the Royal Academy curator of the Sir John Soane's Museum, but the trustees of the museum, who had taken upon themselves to be judges, would not permit him to enter. Bonomi was therefore the victim, and instead of 300 a year and a house, he had been put to considerable expense, and was being very kindly employed by the duke.
Physical Characteristics
The letter is written on paper which bears a printed view and description of Alnwick Castle.