| Description | 1. Covering letter and copy of letter from Richard Foley to Matilda Talbot estimating her annual income and expenditure and expressing concern at her financial situation when the estate is handed over to the National Trust.
2. Letter from James Lees-Milne, acting secretary of the Historic Buildings Committee of the National Trust, confirming that the Air Ministry "have abandoned any intention of taking Lacock Abbey over".
3. Letter and envelope from James Lees-Milne arranging a meeting with Matilda Talbot, including "I too had seen the Daily Mirror Paragraph and there is in fact a considerable amount of speculation about the future of the National Trust Country Houses and also there has been a certain amount of criticism in the left wing press. Bearing this in mind I am writing an article for the Sunday Pictorial which I think may appear in a few week's time, and I shall make every endeavour to hear your broadcast on Saturday at 6.30."
4. Letter from Eardley Knollys, area agent of the National Trust, to Matilda Talbot regarding the village cross. He suggests that the work should be put in the hands of an "Archaeological Architect experienced in Archaeological Restoration" and recommends Sir George Oatley of Bristol who is the Chairman of one of the National Trust Bristol Committees and should make his fees quite reasonable.
5. Letter from James Lees-Milne to Matilda Talbot confirming that Nuswift fire extinguishers will be provided, that Lord Methuen suggests Orlando Ward of Bath be consulted regarding the cleaning and repairs of her pictures and that tickets will be made for admission to the house from 17 Jun to 4 Nov 1946.
6. Schedule of conditions regarding road and building works.
7. Letter from G Applegate, engineer, confirming purchase of secondhand boiler for the abbey.
8. Letter from James Lees-Milne confirming that he has written to Orlando Ward.
9. Letter from James Lees-Milne enclosing a list of paintings with pencil annotations that Mr Orlando Ward recommended for cleaning and suggesting that the National Trust may pay for this work.
10. Letter from Eardley Knollys requesting that Matilda Talbot check the enclosed list of paintings prior to her gifting them to the National Trust. Against Picture No 20 marked Bishop Prideaux is a handwritten annotation that the picture has been given to Exeter College Oxford in exchange for Picture No 68.
11. 2 printed invitations from the National Trust to the opening by Matilda Talbot of an exhibition of original photographs by William Henry Fox Talbot on 1 August. |