Archive

The HMI Archive recently acquired a rare collection of papers of artist Edward Onslow Ford, R.A. (1852-1901). Few records survive to this this day relating to his life and work.

Ford, who died prematurely at the age of 49, was an established figure in the New Sculpture Movement in the late nineteenth century and was particularly known for portraiture, which included the Shelley Memorial at University College (1892), Oxford, William Ewart Gladstone (1894) and Queen Victoria (1901).

The collection consists largely of letters of condolence, telegrams and calling cards send to Ford’s widow, Ann, on his death and are particularly striking, not only in their number but also content, and provide a record of his family, friends, associates and peers. The collection also includes 75 photographs of Ford’s work, shown in the studio, gallery and public sites.

This collection is currently in the process of being re-packaged and catalogued and will be available for consultation by researchers soon. For further information please contact Claire Mayoh, Archivist.