your co-operation. That for many years your mind may be guided by the Framer of all beauty, that you may long continue the worthy embellisher of His temples is the united earnest prayer of

6 THE STUDENTS OF ST. EDMUND'S.'

The only drawback to this token of approval must have been the form in which it was sent, for the letter paper was headed with the view of a most detestable and commonplace building in the Grecian style which can possibly be conceived; but still these approving communications were very grateful to Pugin, as showing that there were certainly some amongst his own communion who appreciated his zeal and devotion to their Church, and he might well excuse the somewhat forced and far-fetched language in which the testimonial was couched.

It may easily be supposed that Pugin, filling so distinguished a position as an architect, would be in communication with the leading men of all countries; and so he was; but the letters mostly relate to professional business, and are therefore scarcely suited or interesting to the public. One, however, from the Count de Montalembert, commending an artist of eminence to Pugin's notice, is worthy of insertion.

'Paris, in Festo S. Marci Evangel, 1848.

'MY DEAR MR. PUGIN,

'Allow me to introduce to your kind notice and protection M. Emile Lusson, one of our best Catholic

artists. As a painter, in the modern Christian style, I sincerely think he has no superior in France; and I should be very much astonished if he had any in England. The sad and discouraging state of every concern depending on art and intellect, owing to the late catastrophe in France, induces him to try his fortune in England; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, he would do honour to any of the churches and chapels with which your genius has adorned your native land.

'I abstain from all reflections on the astounding events which we are now going through. The French clergy has taken a part which has astonished and grieved some of its best friends; but, whatever happens, the Almighty will know how to save His Church from the frenzy of its enemies and its false friends. 'Believe me ever cordially and faithfully yours, 'W. C. de MONTALEMBERT.'

In 1851 Pugin was appointed one of the Commissioners of Fine Arts in connexion with the Great Exhibition. During his absence from one of their meetings, a recommendation was made for the purchase of a shield ornamented in a style he did not approve. This caused him some annoyance, and, feeling strongly upon the subject, he addressed a letter of remonstrance to the Lords of the Committee of Trade, exonerating himself from any implication in this act of his colleagues. The letter, couched in strong terms, affords another illustration of the manly outspoken manner in which he always expressed his opinions.

'MY LORDS,

'St. Augustine's, Ramsgate, December 10th, 1851.

'I hasten to acknowledge with most earnest thanks the communication which I have just received respecting the purchase of the shield of Vechte, No. 25. It enables me to present myself as the uncompromising opponent of that purchase, to which I have never, by word or deed, consented. The purchase appears to have been decided by the three other commissioners on a day when I was unavoidably absent on Government business at Westminster; and, when I was informed of what had been decided, I exclaimed that they would never obtain my consent. I repudiated the very idea of purchasing the shield, as, although it was, in the abstract, an exceedingly clever piece of chasing, yet it was diametrically opposite to the style and principles which I considered we ought to put before the students, and the object of the collection we were entrusted to form. I trust, therefore, that your Lordships will exonerate me from all participation in this shield purchase, the cost of which is out of all character for such an object, useless and obsolete, excepting as a space to exhibit metal chasing; and I do not hesitate to say that, clever as this chasing may be, it does not in any way illustrate the English character of the POET to which it pretends to refer, but is a positive revival of Pagan art, and unfit for our National school of design, and as such, as well as from the great cost, I consider it a most objectionable object to select, and out of all character with the purpose for which we have had the honour of

being appointed. I am very happy to add that we have, on the whole, worked most cordially, and I may truly say that our purchases, as a collection, will be of infinite service, especially in the Oriental productions and works designed on natural principles. Cannot this matter be reconsidered by your Lordships, and the money, which is a considerable sum, far better applied? I imagine the East Indian importations of costly articles might be revisited with great benefit. I have been preparing a short account of our reasons (barring the shield), which has unfortunately been retarded by my late severe attack of nervous fever, from which dangerous malady I am only very lately delivered, and the state to which it has reduced me prevents my returning too quickly to anything that requires much mental exertion; but if, by the blessing of God, my faculties are again restored to their former strength, I will send a fair copy to Mr. Cole (from whom I have received the kindest attentions), or, in his absence, to Mr. Dodd. I feel confident that my friend Mr. Herbert will only echo the sentiments I have expressed, if his opinion be taken.

'I remain, my Lords, with all respect, your most devoted and humble servant,

'AUGUSTUS WELBY PUGIN.

" To the Lords of the Committee for Trade, Whitehall.'

Note.These letters have been brought together into one chapter without reference to their dates: they form no portion of connected correspondence bearing on one particular subject, but are inserted here as illustrating the force of character so observable in all Pugin's affairs, and as showing the high esteem in which his talents were held.

CHAPTER XI.

Publishes 'True Principles of Gothic Architecture '-Cruises at Sea— Facility of Drawing and Etching while in the Boat-Sound Principles of Design-Tact requisite to carry them into execution-Exposure of unrealities, and censure of wrong Roman practices-Publishes his great work, 'A Glossary of Ecclesiastical Ornament and Costume'-Its effect.

THE success attending on the publication of the 'Contrasts' induced Pugin very soon afterwards, in 1841, to prepare another work, entitled 'True Principles of Gothic Architecture.' This volume was published by Mr. Weale, the architectural bookseller. It has been already noticed that Pugin's former work, 'The Contrasts,' was published by himself at St. Marie's Grange. He was compelled to take this course in consequence of his failing to find a publisher who would incur the responsibility of giving to the world a work so strongly seasoned with personal abuse.

His present aim was to further the correct revival of ancient architecture, by exposing the miserable way in which all branches of trade connected with medieval art were carried on, and the unsatisfactory result arising through the artifices and deceptions practised in the production of fabrics of every kind used in buildings of this description. Such true and incon