Author and Poet. b. Nottingham, 1825. Moved to Manchester in 1850. Editor of the Alliance News in Manchester, 1854-98. Married for the second time in 1857. Cultivated a number of literary and artistic acquaintances and friends including George MacDonald, Francis Power Cobb and Christina G. Rossetti. d 1901. Publications include: Clifton Grove Garland; a poem (Nottingham, 1848); Consider the Ravens (Manchester); The Evangel of Love (London, 1847) Five Essays for students of the Divine Philosophy of Swedenborg (London, 1895); The Letter and Authority of Swedenborg and the "Freedom and Faith" of Dr. Tafel by H.S. Sutton (Manchester, 1883); Our Saviour's Triple Crown: an essay for students of the Divine philosophy of Swedenborg… (London, 1898); Outlines of the Doctrine of the Mind according to Emanuel Swedenborg, with observations by Henry Septimus Sutton (London, 1889); Poems by Henry Septimus Sutton (Manchester, N.D.); Poems by Henry S. Sutton (Nottingham, 1848); Poems (Glasgow, 1886); Quinquenergia; or Proposals for a new practical theology (London, 1854); Rose's Diary and other Poems (Manchester, 1899)
Collection Level Description
Collection of 44 original manuscript letters from the Irish poet, William Allingham (1824-89), to Henry Septimus Sutton (1825-1901). An important collection of letters from one poet to another, the letters provide a unique insight and commentary on the emergence of Allingham as a published author from 1848 to 1855 (one additional letter from 1862 is also to be found).
Instigated by Allingham, the letters provide a full and interesting impression of Allingham's development as a writer during these formative years while he was still based in Donegal working as a Custom's Officer. Comments are made on his and Sutton's personal circumstances, their respective works and relations with other writers of the time, in particular their attempts to win support for their writing through relationships with such poets as Coventry Patmore, Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82), Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) and Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809-92). Handwritten versions of some of Allingham's poetry and ballads can also be found throughout the collection. Featured works include: 'The Crucible,' 'Morning,' 'O Were My Love,' 'The Emigrant's Dream,' 'Prize Enigma,' 'Sweet Sunday Bells,' 'Dogmatism,' 'Within a Budding Grove,' 'The Milkmaid,' 'Eolian Harp' and 'The Valley Stream'.
Strengths
This collection would be especially valuable to students of Anglo-Irish Literature and, in particular, those interested in works of the Pre-Raphaelites and the Victorian literary milieu more generally. Allingham's comments on his own work and development as a writer are enlightening as are details of his personal circumstances and relations at the time.
Physical characteristics
44 manuscript letters
Coverage
1848-1862
Additional Details
Subjects
Literature
Geographic Coverage
Britain, Ireland
Languages
English
Material Types
Personal papers - including diaries, correspondence, notes and wills
Custodial Information
Legal Status
Queen's University has legal ownership of these materials. No details available regarding rights ownership.
Note
A microfilm copy of the letters is also available for consultation from the McClay Library Borrwer Services Desk (MicA/PR4004.A5/LETT)
Accrual
Accrual Policy: Closed Accrual Periodicity: Closed
It is unclear how and when the collection was acquired by QUB.
Collector
Sutton, HENRY SEPTIMUS (1825-1901)
Biography/History
Role
Author and Poet