Whole book · 4 sections
Transcribed from the 1919 Coventry Libraries Committee catalogue by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org. Many thanks to Nuneaton Library, UK, for allowing the use of their copy to make this transcription.
Catalogue of . .
RELICS, MANUSCRIPTS,
PRINTS, PAINTINGS,
PHOTOGRAPHS & BOOKS
relating to
GEORGE ELIOT,
exhibited in
St. Mary’s Hall. Coventry.
coventry libraries committee.
The Exhibition has special reference to George Eliot’s residence in Coventry, and to the Coventry circle of which she was the most distinguished member.
Visitors are requested not to touch the exhibits. Copying or sketching or photographing any exhibit is prohibited.
1. Portrait of Robert Evans.
Lent by Canon Evans, Bedworth.
Father of G. E., and prototype of Adam Bede.
2. Diaries of Robert Evans (“Adam Bede”).
Lent by Mr. Walter P. Evans, Leamington.
3. Portrait of Isaac P. Evans.
Lent by Canon Evans, Bedworth.
G. E’s brother; original of “Tom Tulliver.”
3a. Another portrait of Isaac P. Evans.
Lent by Mr. W. P. Evans, Leamington.
4. Portrait of George Eliot, with portrait of her father, Robert Evans.
Lent by National Portrait Gallery.
Drawn in 1842 by Mrs. Charles Bray.
5. Portrait of George Eliot, 1850, fr. painting by M. D’Albert.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper, Kenilworth.
6. George Eliot’s portrait (after Sir F. Burton).
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper, Kenilworth.
G. E.’s. gift to Mrs. Bray
6a. Pencil drawing from shadow thrown by cast of G. Eliot, by Miss Sara S. Hennell. Presented by Mr. Warwick Draper.
6b. Oil painting of Miss Everard, G. Eliot’s aunt.
Lent by Canon Evans.
Caricutured as Aunt Glegg (Mill on the Floss).
10. Holograph letters of George Eliot.
Lent by Mr. A. E. Fridlander.
See typewritten copies exhibited.
11. Holograph letter to Mrs. Bray.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper, Kenilworth.
Written Sept., 1876, after she returned from abroad; describing some part of the journey.
12. Holograph letters.
Lent by Mr. Frederic Harrison, Bath.
Two of the letters are on Positivist affairs; three refer to the legal advice given to G. E. by Mr. Harrison in constructing the plot of Felix Holt (George Eliot’s Life, by Cross, v. 3: 258); the last letter was written during her mourning for G. H. Lewes.
15. Favourite airs copied by G. Eliot.
Lent by Miss Evans, Leamington.
Holographic throughout.
16. Receipt given by G. E. in connection with her father’s will.
Lent by Mr. W. P. Evans, Leamington.
18. Statuette of Christ, after Thorwaldsen.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper.
At one time belonged to G. E., and is associated with her translation of Strauss, Life of Jesus.
19. Ring worn by George Eliot in memory of her mother.
Lent by Miss Evans, Leamington.
Inscribed inside, “In memory of Christiana Evans.”
20. Portrait of Mr. Edward Simms, G. Eliot’s music master.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
25. Defoe’s “History Of the Devil.”
Lent by Canon Evans, Bedworth.
G. E’s. own copy; it is referred to in Mill on the Floss, ch. 3.
25a. A Kempis, De Imitatione Christi.
Presented by Mr. Warwick Draper.
G. Eliot’s own copy, acquired at Coventry, 1849, given to Miss Sara S. Hennell, 1851, and at Mrs. Bray’s death came into the possession of Mr. Warwick Draper. See Mill on the Floss, bk. 4, ch. 3.
26. Bacon’s “Essays,” 1828.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
Autograph on flyleaf “Mary Ann Evans.”
27. Newspaper cuttings collected by George Eliot.
Lent by Coventry Libraries
With her own contributions to the “Coventry Herald” at the end. The book bears the signature, in pencil, of J. Hennell.
28. “Silas Marner,” First edition, 1861.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
Inscribed: “Caroline Bray from Mr. Lewes June 22 ’61,” in G. Eliot’s handwriting.
29. “The Legend of Jubal and other poems,” First edition, 1874.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
Inscribed: “Caroline Bray May 1874, with the author’s compliments.”
30. “Impressions of Theophrastus Such,” First edition, 1879.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
Inscribed: “Caroline Bray, from the author, Eastbourne, May 29, 1879.”
31. “Essays and leaves from a note-book,” First edition, 1884.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
Inscribed. “Mrs. Charles Bray from C. L. Lewes, Feb., 1884.” C. L. L. was the son of G. H. Lewes.
32. Pen used in Italy by G. Eliot, and covered there with silk and beads.
Lent by Mr. T. H. Allen, Coventry.
33. Musical Box, reputed to be Uncle Pullet’s.
Lent by Mrs. W. W. Orton.
(Mill on the Floss), see newscutting.
34. Water colour sketch of attic at Griff—Maggie Tulliver’s favourite retreat.
Lent by Mr. W. P. Evans, Leamington.
Lent by Miss Robinson, Chilvers Coton.
36. Mrs. J. W. Buchanan (“Janet Dempster.”)
37. James Buchanan (“Lawyer Dempster.”)
38. Mrs. George Buchanan.
39. Mrs. Robinson (“Mrs. Pettifer.”)
40. T. Bull (“Mr. Fred Phipps.”)
41. John Craddock (“Mr. Landor.”)
42. John Towle (“Mr. Lowme.”)
50. Portrait of Mrs. Robinson.
Lent by Miss Robinson, Chilvers Coton.
Mrs. R. was the original of Mrs. Pettifer (Janet’s Repentance).
57. Silhouette miniatures of Mr. and Mrs. James Hennell of Hackney.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper.
Father and mother of Mrs. Bray and Miss Sara Hennell.
58. Miniatures of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hennell.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper.
58a. Water colour sketch of Mrs. Hennell.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
59. Portrait of Eliza Hennell.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper.
Author of “Tale of the Alps,” also exhibited.
60. Home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Hennell, Coventry.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper.
Uncle and Aunt of Mrs. Charles Bray.
61. Wilson, Capt., “History of Prince Lee Boo,” 1812.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
Inscribed: “Eliza Hennell, March 7th, 1815.”
62. Hennell, Eliza. “Tale of the Alps,” a romance [original MS.]
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
This little work was composed by E. H., written in her own handwriting, and bound by her when she was fourteen years of age. Inscribed: “Eliza Hennell, April 10th, 1819
62a. Three water colour sketches of the Hennells’ Hackney home, by Miss Sara Hennell.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
62b. Water colour sketch of Hackney chapel, attended by the Hennells, by Miss Sara Hennell.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
63. Portrait of Charles Bray, at 50.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper, Kenilworth.
64. Mrs. Charles Bray, oil painting by Miss E. Martin.
Lent by Mr. A. E. Fridlander.
65. Miniature of Mrs. Charles Bray.
Lent by Miss Scampton, Coventry.
Painted by Mrs. Bray’s sister, Sara S. Hennell, c. 1836. Mrs. Bray was G. E’s Coventry friend.
65a. Water colour portrait of Mrs. Bray, by Miss Sara S. Hennell.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
66. Water colour portrait of Charles Bray.
Lent by Mrs. Herbert Draper.
66a. Miniature portrait of Mrs. Charles Bray, by herself, c. 1853.
Lent by Mr. A. E. Fridlander.
66b. Water colour portrait of Miss Sara S. Hennell, by herself.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
67. Portrait of Mrs. Bray and Miss Sara Hennell, 1897.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
68. Water colour portrait of Miss Sara Hennell.
Lent by Mrs. H. Draper.
68a. C. C. Hennell’s “Inquiry.”
Lent by Mr. A. E. Fridlander.
Inscribed, “Sara Sophia Hennell, 1st January, 1846.”
68b. Three water colour sketches of “Rosehill,” the Coventry home of the Brays.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
69. Portrait of Miss Brabant, afterwards Mrs. C. C. Hennell.
Lent by Mrs. H. Draper.
70. Portrait of Miss Julia Smith.
Lent by Mrs. H. Draper.
A valued friend of G. E., and sister of Mme. Bodichon.
71. Three water colour sketches by Miss Sara. S. Hennell.
Lent by Miss Mary Scampton.
Made during a Scottish tour with G. Eliot and Mr. and Mrs. Bray.
72. Romola, 3 vols., extra illustrated.
Lent by Coventry Libraries.
73. Water colour of Griff Hollows, “The Red Deeps,” 1876, by Miss Patty Townsend.
Lent by Nuneaton Art Gallery.
74. Water colour sketch—Lawyer Dempster’s house, by Thomas Wakeman.
Lent by Nuneaton Art Gallery.
75. Water colour drawing—Chilvers Coton church, by Thomas Wakeman.
Lent by Nuneaton Art Gallery.
76. Water colour drawing—South Farm, Arbury, by Thomas Wakeman.
Lent by Nuneaton Art Gallery.
76. Series of photographs of G. Eliot country.
Lent by Miss Robinson, Chilvers Coton.
Photographed by
Arbury Farm is on the Arbury Estate. Robert Evans, the novelist’s father, lived there from 1806 to 1820 as land agent to the estate. George Eliot was born here on November 22nd, 1819, but was taken to live at Griff House four months’ later. The farm has been much altered.
1. Arbury Farm, view from garden
Miss C. Norton
2. Arbury Farm, view from garden
Mr. G. H. Osborne.
George Eliot’s home from 1820 to 1841. The house has not been greatly altered. “It was a delightful place to grow up in, and over and above the charms of the house, farm, garden and fields, there was the high road just in front of the gate, where she and her brother stood and watched the mail-coach pass twice a day.” At the back of the house is “a large, old-fashioned farm-house garden, where flowers, vegetables, fruits and trees grow in friendly confusion—just the kind of garden in which Hetty Sorrel gathered red currants.”—Deakin, Early Life of G. E., p. 5, 9. The dairy is known as “Mrs. Poyser’s,” but it was erected after G. Eliot left Griff. The “Round Pond,” into which Maggie Tulliver pushed Lucy and where Maggie and Tom used to fish, is in a field adjoining. Griff Hollows is the “Red Deeps” of the Mill on the Floss.
3. Griff House
Mr. G. H. Osborne
The window of the attic to which Maggie fled when in trouble (Mill on the Floss) is shown on the gable end, where the flagstaff is fixed.
4–5. Griff House
Mr. A. W.
Hoare (4)
Mr. S. T. Shipway (5)
6–7. Griff House
Miss M.
Imison (6)
Mr. A. W. Hoare (7)
8. Griff House, dairy
Mr. A. W. Hoare
9. Griff House, dairy, interior
Mr. L. P. Wilson
The Dairy is known as “Mrs. Poyser’s,” but it was erected after G. Eliot left Griff.
Mr. A. H. Howell
The little summer house at the end of the Yew-tree walk; in just such a place Dorothea found her husband after his death.
—(Middlemarch).
11. Griff House, round pond
Mr. S. T. Shipway
The pool into which Maggie Tulliver pushed Lucy, and where Maggie and Tom used to fish, is in a field adjoining the house.
12. Griff Hollows
Mr. L. P. Wilson
13. Griff Hollows
Miss M. Imison
The “Red Deeps” of The Mill on the Floss, the meeting place of Maggie Tulliver and Philip Wakem.
14. Griff, the Dame School
Mr. A. W. Hoare
George Eliot’s first school, which she attended with her brother until she was five years old. Her second school (Miss Lathom’s Boarding School at Attleborough) has not been identified.
15–16. Nuneaton, The Elms
Miss C. Norton
George Eliot’s third school, near Nuneaton Church. She attended it with her sister Chrissy until 1832, when she went to Coventry.
17. Coventry, house of Rev. Francis Franklin, Cow Lane
Mr. S. T. Shipway
In 1832 was transferred from The Elms, Nuneaton, to a school in Coventry, kept by the two Miss Franklins, daughters of The Rev. Francis Franklin, Minister of Cow Lane Chapel. Mr. Franklin was the prototype of Rufus Lyon (Felix Holt).
18. Coventry, back of minister’s house, Cow Lane
Mr. S. T. Shipway
19. Coventry, memorial tablet to Rev. Francis Franklin, Cow Lane Chapel
Mr. S. T. Shipway
20. Bust of George Whitfield, at one time in Mr. Franklin’s house
Mr. A. W. Hoare
“A black bust with a coloured face, which for some reason or other was covered with green gauze.” “That,” said Mr. Lyon, “is the eminent George Whitfield . . . Providence ordained that the good man should squint; and my daughter has not yet learned to bear with this infirmity.”—Felix Holt, ch. v.
21. Coventry, Nantglyn, Warwick Row
Mr. S. T. Shipway
The Misses Franklin’s school was at this address. George Eliot left this school in 1835.
In March, 1841, Robert Evans and his daughter came to live in the Foleshill Road, until her father died in 1849. The house is known as Bird Grove, and has been much altered.
22. Coventry, Bird Grove
Mr. S. T. Shipway
22a. Coventry, gates of Bird Grove
Mr. J. Bradbury
23. Coventry, Bird Grove, window of George Eliot’s study over entrance
Mr. A. W. Hoare
24–25. Coventry, Bird Grove, study and bedroom
Mr. A. W.
Hoare (24)
Mr. S. T. Shipway (25)
26. Coventry, Bird Grove, room used by G. Eliot as drawing room
Mr. S. T. Shipway
27. Coventry, Bird Grove, study
Mr. S. T. Shipway
28. Coventry, Bird Grove, interior
Mr. S. T. Shipway
29. Coventry, “Rosehill”
Mr. L. P. Wilson
George Eliot first visited “Rosehill,” the home of the Brays, on November 2nd, 1841. There is an interesting account of this visit in Bray’s Autobiography, p. 76. The Brays and the Hennells exerted an important influence on her life.
30. Coventry, Ivy Cottage,
Mr. L. P. Wilson
The home of the Hennell family; adjoins “Rosehill.”
Nuneaton is the Milby of Janet’s Repentance. There is an amusing description of a Sunday morning service at the church at the beginning of the story.
31–32. Nuneaton church, exterior and interior
Miss C. Norton
33–34. Nuneaton church and vicarage
Miss C. Norton
35. Nuneaton, Lawyer Dempster’s house
Miss C. Norton
No. 35 Church Street, the Orchard Street of Janet’s Repentance. The original of Dempster was a Mr. Buchanan.
36–37. Nuneaton, Dempster’s house, other views
Miss C. Norton
38. Nuneaton, garden of Dempster’s house
Mr. A. H. Howell
39. Nuneaton, grotto in Dempster’s garden
Mr. A. H. Howell
Miss C. Norton
The “Shepperton” church of Amos Barton. George Eliot was baptised here. The tenor bell was hung in her memory (1909). “The little flight of steps with their wooden rail running up the outer wall and leading to the children’s gallery,” is still in existence.
41. Chilvers Coton church
Mr. A. H. Howell
42. Chilvers Coton church, interior
Mr. S. T. Shipway
43. Chilvers Coton church, children’s gallery
Mr. G. H. Osborne
44. Chilvers Coton vicarage, garden
Mr. A. H. Howell
The open window belongs to the room in which “Milly Barton” died.
45. Chilvers Coton vicarage and church
Mr. S. T. Shipway
46. Chilvers Coton churchyard, Emma Gwyther’s grave
Mr. S. T. Shipway
Mrs. Gwyther was the original of “Milly Barton” of The Sad fortunes of Amos Barton, one of the most touching stories in English literature. The inscription is transcribed in full in Olcott’s George Eliot, scenes and people in her novels.
47. Chilvers Coton churchyard, Emma Gwyther’s grave
Mr. A. W. Hoare
48–48a. Chilvers Coton churchyard, tomb of Robert (“Adam Bede”) and Christiana Evans.
Mr. A. W.
Hoare (48)
Mr. A. Hunt (48a)
49. Chilvers Coton churchyard, tomb of Sarah and Isaac Pearson Evans (“Tom Tulliver” and his wife)
Mr. A. H. Howell
50. Chilvers Coton church, extract from parish register
Mr. W. H. Stokes
Recording the marriage of Edward Clark and G. Eliot’s sister Chrissy, “Celia” of Middlemarch. The signatures include those of the Rev. John Gwyther (“Amos Barton”), Robert Evans (“Adam Bede”), Mary Ann Evans (the novelist), and Isaac P. Evans (“Tom Tulliver”—see No. 49).
51. Arbury Hall
Mr. W. H.
McLauchlan
and Mr. W. H. Stokes
A copy of an older photograph; the view is not the same to-day. This is the “Cheverel Manor” of Mr. Gilfil’s Love Story. Arbury is the home of the Newdegate family. Robert Evans, father of George Eliot, was land agent for the Newdegate estate. This “castellated house of grey-tinted stone is described beautifully in the Love Story, ch. 2. See also three books by Lady Newdigate-Newdegate: The Cheverels of Cheverel Manor; Gossip from a Muniment Room; and Cavalier and Puritan.
52. Arbury Park, George Eliot Memorial
Mr. W. H. Stokes
Erected by Mr. F. A. Newdigate-Newdegate, M.P. Of rough grey stone, recording the dates and places of her birth and death, and the words “Lest we forget.”
52a. Arbury Park, Caterina’s Walk
Mr. W. H.
McLauchlan
and Mr. W. H. Stokes
Ch. 7. of Mr. Gilfil’s Love Story.
52b. Arbury Park, The Rookery
Mr. W. H.
McLauchlan
and Mr. W. H. Stokes
“The thick shades of the distant Rookery” where Caterina found the body of Captain Wybrow.
53. Astley church
Mr. W. H.
McLauchlan
and Mr. W. H. Stokes
Astley is the “Knebley” church of Mr. Gilfil’s Love Story—“a wonderful little church, with a checkered pavement which had once rung to the iron tread of military monks.” (ch. 1).
53a. Astley castle
Mr. O. W.
Barry
and Mr. W. H. Howell
“Knebley” castle.
53b. Astley castle and gateway
Mr. W. H.
McLauchlan
and Mr. W. H. Stokes
53c. Astley castle, the moat
Mr. W. H.
McLauchlan
and Mr. W. H. Stokes
53d. Corley Hall farm, gates
Mr. A. W. Hoare
“Evidently that gate is never opened; . . . and if it were opened, it is so rusty, that the force necessary to turn it on its hinges would be likely to pull down the square stone-built pillars, to the detriment of the two stone lionesses which grin with a doubtful carnivorous affability above a coat of arms, surmounting each of the pillars.”—Adam Bede, ch. 6.
53e. Corley Hall farm, row of walnut trees
Mr. A. W. Hoare
“That grand double row of walnut trees on the right-hand of the enclosure.”—Adam Bede, ch. 6.
54–55. Bulkington, single hand-loom at
Mr. A. W. Hoare
Bulkington is possibly the village George Eliot had in mind in describing Raveloe (Silas Marner). The photographs show a hand-loom used in Silas Marner’s day.