MS 340 05

Reference code

MS 340 05

Title

Frederic Kenyon’s Browning papers: correspondence and papers relating to Frederick Kenyon’s involvement with the 'Browning Sale' and the 'Love Letters controversy'

Level

Series

Administrative / Biographical history

'The Browning Sale' at Sotheby's, took place soon after the death of Robert Barrett Browning (known as Pen). Amongst the items sold was the manuscript of 'Asolando' which Pen, following his father's wishes intended should go to Balliol College, Oxford and the famous 'Love Letters' between Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

There were two public appeals (one before and one after the sale) to try and prevent the sale of the letters to America, as many felt they should remain in the UK and placed in the British Museum library. The appeals failed and the letters were eventually bought privately and given to Wellesley College in America.

Date

1913-1914

Extent & medium

2 folders with a total of 14 envelopes

Content description

The letters were written to Kenyon, both as a Browning scholar and in his capacity as Director of the British Museum at the time of the Browning sale.