Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times — John Shaqi
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
Mr. Jennings’s Museum well deserves to be noticed. It consisted of a
rare and valuable collection of the most chosen specimens of taste, and
probably the completest collection of shells. Many fine specimens of
minerals and scarce coloured gems, cameos, and intaglios; crystals, and
other choice productions of nature, such as diamonds of almost every
colour, rubies, emeralds, pearls, sapphires, &c.; not to omit many
excellent specimens of well-preserved birds and quadrupeds. Old, and
first-rate impressions of prints from Raphael, and others of the Roman
school; some fine specimens of sculpture, both ancient and modern; many
fine and scarce impressions of first editions, classical and of the
entertaining kind, with many original drawings and pictures; in short,
all that could interest one who had been long a real amateur. Among the
portraits was a fine one of Mary, Queen of Scotland, and another of
Titian and his Mistress, the Mary in her fourteenth year; likewise
several rare enamel miniatures of interesting characters; among which was
one of the Princess Elizabeth, about seventeen years of age, this latter
by Holbein; with some well-preserved medals in gold and silver.
* * * * *
This collection was disposed of by auction, by Mr. Phillips, in 1820; the
shells, and most valuable articles, being removed to Bond Street, and the
preserved birds, quadrupeds, and other articles of rarity, together with
the furniture, were sold at Lindsey Row.
* * * * *
T. Bonner, Esq., a gentleman much respected in the parish, resided in
Lindsey Row for many years. Mrs. Bonner was at all times most active in
relieving the necessitous and deserving poor. She occupied the house
some time after the death of her husband, and died a few years ago.
* * * * *
Sir Mark Isombard Brunell, the originator and designer of the Thames
Tunnel, resided for a considerable period in the centre house. His
public works will immortalize his name to the latest posterity, as being
one of the most eminent engineers of the present century.
* * * * *
John Martin, R.A., K.L., so well known for those grandly-conceived and
sublime compositions, “Joshua commanding the Sun to stand Still,” “The
Fall of Nineveh,” “The Last Judgment,” &c., also resided in Lindsey Row
for some years. The late Prince Consort was a frequent visitor to his
Studio, and it is a pleasing fact to record that Mr. Martin kindly
permitted the neighbouring inhabitants, and others, to have access
occasionally to it, accompanied by an attendant, during his absence from
home. He died, as will be remembered, not many years since.
* * * * *
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