Browning family archive comes to auction

The Robert Browning Settlement, a charity set up in Camberwell after Browning’s death, is selling the very personal archive through saleroom Stacey’s in Raleigh, Essex, in the hope of replacing funds lost during the pandemic.

The Settlement – an evangelical charity once closely associated with the non-conformist York Street Chapel attended by the Browning family – was publicly inaugurated in 1895 by church elders with support from the Browning family.

Robert ‘Pen’ Barrett Browning (1846-1912), Robert and Elizabeth Browning’s only child who was a moderately successful artist, donated items after he became president in 1906. His widow, Fanny Barrett Browning, gave many other items while other pieces were acquired at a Sotheby’s sale in 1913.

While the Georgian church was demolished in the 1970s, the Settlement, based on Walworth Road, maintained a museum and library that was open by appointment only. However, it has recently closed.

Rev Clive Dunnico, the honorary warden of the charity, said: “The pandemic had a severe effect on our financial resources. With a heavy heart, we are now selling our collection of Browning memorabilia and historical records to enable us to continue our services to those who seek our help.”

The archive will be offered for sale on June 10 in 114 lots, most with modest estimates.

Robert Browning’s initialled fedora hat and stag horn-handled cane. Estimate £80-120 at Stacey’s.

Robert Barrett Browning (1846-1912) was a moderately successful artist. This oil on canvas titled The Cobbler c.1876 was sold by Sotheby’s in 1913 as part of his estate. It has an estimate of £300-500 at Stacey’s.

A gilt framed portrait miniature of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Flush her cocker spaniel last sold at Sotheby’s in 1913 - estimate £100-150 at Stacey’s.

Robert Browning’s father Robert Browning Senior (1782-1866) was an artist and caricaturist. This pen and ink drawing titled Tomb at Pornic and inscribed in pencil By my Grandfather (RBB) has an estimate of £50-80 at Stacey’s.

The original marriage certificate for Robert Browning and Elizabeth Moulton Barrett dated 1846 is guided at £1000-1500 at Stacey’s.

Robert Browning’s address book containing the names and addresses of several Victorian luminaries – including Lord Tennyson who is buried close to him in Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey. Offered together with photo card of Robert Browning signed in pencil, it is estimated £50-80 at Stacey’s.

The Browning family pew from the York Street Chapel, Camberwell. Estimate £100-150 at Stacey’s.