Sir David Murray RA 1903 Autograph Letter Signed to Dr Octavia Lewin, Flatford Mill

Three-page autograph letter signed by Sir David Murray RA (1849-1933), dated 22 October 1903, together with the original addressed envelope.

An exceptionally interesting content letter addressed to Dr Octavia Margaret Sophia Lewin, the pioneering physician and later suffragist, at 25 Wimpole Street, London. The surviving envelope (stamp and postmarks removed) supports the identification of the recipient as Dr Lewin, who is documented at that address. 

The letter concerns matters relating to Flatford Mill, Suffolk, in the heart of John Constable Country. Murray discusses the tenancy position of Arthur Benneworth, operator of the nearby steam mill business at Flatford Granary, following extensive flooding in the Stour Valley. Murray advises Lewin on how to handle Benneworth’s notice to quit, suggesting that advertising for an alternative tenant may strengthen her negotiating position.

Of particular interest is Murray’s vivid first-hand description of the famous 1903 floods, writing:

“Far as the eye reached it was vast floods, fit to run a penny steamer on”

The letter was written during the exceptionally wet conditions of 1903, later remembered as one of the most remarkable flood periods affecting the area. Murray describes submerged meadows, floodwater around the mill and boathouse, and thousands of gulls gathered across the inundated landscape.

The correspondence also provides a fascinating snapshot of the artistic community then centred on Flatford and Dedham. Murray refers to fellow artist Harry Percy Hain Friswell, who was associated with Flatford, and remarks that he himself had been working daily on a new “6-footer” [canvas], indicating he was actively painting in the district at the time. 

The letter further mentions local figures including the Benneworth milling family, Richardson, Lott, Hart and Miss George, preserving a contemporary glimpse of life in the famous Constable landscape during a period of severe flooding and changing ownership.

A particularly appealing association item linking:

• Sir David Murray RA
• Dr Octavia Lewin, physician and later suffragist
• Flatford Mill and Constable Country
• The Benneworth milling family
• The notable floods of 1903
• The Flatford artistic colony

Letter complete over three pages with original envelope. The envelope remains addressed to Dr Lewin, although the stamp and postal markings have been removed. 

A highly desirable and unusually content-rich letter combining art, local history, women’s history, social history and one of England’s most celebrated landscapes.

Provenance: 

One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil. 

Winifred Alice Myers (1909 – 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004. 

Sir David Murray RA (Jan 1849 – Nov 1933) was a Scottish landscape painter.

Octavia Margaret Sophia Lewin (Feb 1869 – Dec 1955) was a British pioneer woman doctor, suffragist and treasurer of the Women’s Freedom League.