TALBOT5202

8 Langton Street
Bristol
4 March 1845

Sir

Having engaged to read a paper on Photography to the Members of a Mechanics Institute & of a Philosophical Society of which I am a Member¹ & wishing to be able to present a specimen of the beautiful art of which you are the inventor, I take the liberty of soliciting your kind assistance; I much wish to illustrate my paper as well as possible & have not unfortunately time to try the Calotype process myself ² - therefore trust that you will excuse the liberty of my requesting the favour of some small specimen, negative & positive for the purpose - I do assure you, Sir, that I make this request with much diffidence & shall be much indebted to you for even the loan of a picture, as I have tried several places in London without success -

I have for some time practised the process on Silver ³ & take the further liberty of begging your acceptance of a small picture - not a good one but the best I have just now in duplicate - It was taken in 2 seconds, with lens 2 inches in diameter & 8/2 inches focus & as you will observe by reflection also, (a metallic speculum of my own manufacture) when the weather becomes more favourable, I hope without appearing too presumptious [sic] to have the pleasure of forwarding one more worthy your acceptance -

I am Sir Your very ob^t Servant
Hugh Owen

H. Fox Talbot Esq
&c &c