Hardy (Thomas).- Lea (Hermann) A fine group of 39 original photographic portraits of Thomas Hardy and 3 portrait postcards by Lea, many inscribed in pencil on verso in Lea's or others' hand, a few with comments by Hardy himself, varying condition, Dorset, v.s., [c.1905-12].

⁂ Portrait studies of Hardy by his friend and collaborator Hermann Lea, at least some of which were to be considered by them both as to suitability for publication. In one group of 9 images in their original envelope and endorsed in pencil by Lea (all of which are faded but still clearly show Hardy), Lea has commented on a series lettered A-F (A missing) and Hardy has added additional comments beneath: e.g. "This is spoilt by the location - due to the direct sunlight. H.L." and "Next Best to A. Why not try another like this?" in Hardy's hand. Some are just head and shoulders studies, others show him seated in his library with books around him. One is inscribed by Lea in pen on verso, "Frontispiece Little Guide Book" [A Handbook of the Wessex Country of Thomas Hardy, 1905].