Faraday to Second Earl Spencer   6 February 1832

Royal Institution | Feby 6 1832

My Lord

The kindness which the Royal Institution has always received from Your Lordship emboldens me to write on a point which has been committed to me by a few friends; and the interest which your Lordship still feels for this establishment will I trust be an excuse for the present communication[.]

Mr. Pickersgill, the eminent R. Academician who has already given one portrait¹ to the Institution and painted another² which has been given by a few of the Members, is desirous of adding to his former gift the portrait of some eminent and valuable member of the house. The selection is not with the Managers but confided to a few friends. Two or three persons have been named but far above all others stands Your Lordship's name as that of one to whom the Royal Institution is deeply indebted and whose portrait it would be delightful to see here³[.]

As soon as the Exhibition at the Royal Academy opens Mr. Pickersgill says he should be prepared to undertake the work[.]

Although we entertain fears that Your Lordship, because of the fatigue or other circumstances, may not accede to our wishes; yet we hope much from your kindly feelings at all times to this useful establishment and we should feel as if we neglected a duty to Your Lordship and to the Royal Institution if we gave up the hope of having the portrait whilst the last chance of obtaining it remained[.]

I ought to state to Your Lordship that a fine copy in oil of Sir Thomas Lawrence['s] portrait of Sir Humphry Davy is in the Institution⁴ besides the two pictures by Mr. Pickersgill, and that many engravings of the late and present scientific members as Dr. Wollaston, Dr. Young, Dr. Wilkins⁵ Mr. Gilbert &c are upon the walls.

I am | My Lord | Your Lordships | Most obedient Humble Servant | M. Faraday

To | Earl Spencer | &c &c &c

Endorsed: Mr Faraday RI 8 Feb 1832. Ans Do Declining to comply on account of ill Health &c