1890—1902
FURTHER PROGRESS IN HOUSING AND OPEN SPACE WORK
This period, while including great developments in the movements in
which Octavia was specially interested, was also marked by public
discussions, which greatly affected her work. She was much interested
in the controversy between General Booth and the Charity Organisation
Society, about the General’s huge scheme of centralised, and
despotically managed, relief; and in this, as in so many other
matters, she warmly approved of the efforts of Mr. Loch, Secretary of
the C.O.S., to produce wiser views of administration of charity.[114]
The same friend also assisted her in discussions with the poorer
municipal voters, on the best method of distributing the payment of
rates between landlord and tenant, and the most economical method of
providing houses for the poor.
This time was also marked by another of the many proofs of Octavia’s
desire to connect her interest in art with her efforts for moral and
physical progress. The fine hall in Red Cross Garden, was used by the
neighbourhood for entertainments; and, on Sundays, very good music was
performed there by numerous friends, to large gatherings of the
people. Among other friends, who helped, was Mrs. Julian Marshall, who
trained a band of Southwark boys to play in the Hall. It was now
proposed that the walls of the Hall should be decorated with
representations of peaceful heroism; and Mrs. Russell Barrington
enlisted Walter Crane’s help in the matter, who most generously
designed the pictures. The first of these was that of Alice Ayres the
servant girl, represented in the act of rescuing children from a fire
in Southwark. Her connection with the neighbourhood greatly interested
the tenants.
In 1898, Octavia was much encouraged by the growth of appreciation
felt for her work, which was shown by the presentation to her of her
portrait painted by Sargent.[115] A large number of friends had
subscribed for this; and, at the presentation, Mr. Loch was the
spokesman. Some of her words in answer will be quoted at the
conclusion of this book. She was much touched by this proof of
affection; and the large gathering of friends included those who had
known and worked with her for years, and the descendants of others.
But, important as were the developments in her work in the houses,
perhaps the most notable of all the events of this period was
connected with the Open Space movement. By the efforts of Sir Robert
Hunter and other friends, “The National Trust for Preserving Places of
Natural Beauty and of Historic Interest,” was founded, which undertook
to buy or accept from donors places described by the above title, and
to care for and manage them for the people. And Canon Rawnsley became
Hon. Secretary.
A special outcome of this movement, in which Octavia was much
interested, ought to be particularly noticed; the acquisition of
places in the Lake district, secured partly on account of their
beauty, and partly to provide access to the lakes, for the general
public.
A different kind of open space, in a very different neighbourhood, was
the “Postman’s Park”—a recreation ground secured near the General Post
Office, where deeds of heroism are recorded by Watts, though without
the addition of such pictures of the heroes as were painted in Red
Cross Hall. This time saw the band of foreign imitators of Octavia’s
work notably increased, by the visit to England of Dutch ladies, who
formed warm friendships with Octavia, and who have shown in Holland
such excellent results of the training which they received.
[Illustration:
OCTAVIA HILL.
_From an Oil Painting by Sargent. Presented to her in 1898._
]
[Sidenote: MOVE TO 190, MARYLEBONE ROAD]
190, Marylebone Road,[116]
1890.
TO HER MOTHER.
... All goes well with us here. My room has been our last household
pleasure. It has turned out so pretty; and I am so astonished because it
was the room where all the leavings naturally gravitated. But you know
it has a pretty bow like the back drawing-room; and my one extravagance
has been a very nice brass curtain rod. On this, with large curtain
rings which draw easily, we have hung the curtains which Minnie
gave,—crimson—and they look so bright in the western sun, and so snug
when drawn at night. Then I have my writing-table in the bow, and my
pretty dark book-case, and the old drawing-room carpet from Nottingham
Place, which looks quite handsome, as good things do. My photographs
group themselves prettily on the walls; and altogether it is very
nice....
January 19th, 1890.
TO HER MOTHER.
One feels that the more intercourse with honest, truthful people
they[117] can have the better; and that our work, when least it shows
outward progress, has this of value—that there are, in and out among
them, those who are trying to fulfil at least the ordinary daily duties
of life, as in God’s sight. I am myself a little cheered about the place
just now; and, of course, looking to Miss Chase’s return to them with
hope. She has so very much human sympathy, and feels, thro’ all their
faults, so instinctively down to all that is human and good; never
palliates their wrong, but loves them in spite of it, and clings to the
good in them.
14, Nottingham Place,
February 27th, 1890.
I hope I shall manage to take care of myself, and not give you all
trouble again by any stupidity. It is much more easy to be obedient than
discreet.
March 18th, 1890.
TO HER MOTHER.
Deptford went quite wonderfully yesterday. I do think it begins to
improve. Miss Chase’s joy in it is refreshing, and also contagious; and
she always tells one nice things about the people. Ossington too went
well to-day. I had a large group of workers.... Each took a staircase,
and came back to report to me. I had time to see and help each.
March 23rd, 1890.
TO MR. SYDNEY COCKERELL.
I am extremely sorry if any words of mine have tended to intensify any
dissatisfaction you may feel with your work in life.... When work is
good in its object, as merchant’s work must be, is it not pretty sure
that a good man, whose path has led him straight into the thick of it,
seeing its abuses and temptations, has a distinct calling? The
difficulties are the foundation of the triumph. The world is all full of
them. We grope about, and seem hardly to see our way; but if honestly,
moment by moment, we do as much as we see, somehow the place is better
for our presence; and in the long years, looking back, we find we have
been led on by paths we did not see, towards ends we hardly dreamed of
reaching. Some men sit down in their studies, and imagine a world all
different, or speculate as to whether, if they turned it all upside
down, selfishness would not vanish because comfort had come. We don’t
know what this world would be if it were altered; but we do know how God
has given it to us; whom He has put near us; where He has called us;
what power He has given us.... I do not believe in this God’s earth
there can be a place where right is impossible. If it is difficult, the
more glory is there in very humbly, very steadily, leading a forlorn
hope.... Remember there is a Truth of _things_, as well as of _words_.
Our words are indeed feeble exponents of Truth; but, whatever fact we
meet in life, _that_ is God’s own permitted Fact or Truth, possibly not
eternal, but meant for us to accept or to resist; but always to deal
with, for which effort He gives strength.
[Sidenote: RIGHT ACTION POSSIBLE EVERYWHERE]
June 4th, 1890.
TO MR. SYDNEY COCKERELL.
Thank you for reminding me about the Brier Rose. Six of us have been to
see it at different times, all thanks to you. The colour is, indeed,
wonderful, and the vision complete; and, if there is wanting a certain
strenuous life about it, it is unfair, perhaps, to look for that in a
fairy tale. As allegory, I seem to miss the energy of life and thought;
but, then, the beauty of colour!
June 27th, 1890.
TO SYDNEY COCKERELL.
I enclose tickets for the opening of the lawn. I send those for Fawcett
House for Mrs. Cockerell and Olive. They would there see the general
view of things, and the Royal party would pass quite close.... I most
earnestly hope that you will be able to help us as steward; we shall
sorely need reliable ones. I am much distressed that, in spite of almost
superhuman efforts, I seem unable to escape being taken up by the
necessity of “receiving,” and so shall not be free to rush where need
may be to see how all goes, and so shall need much to have _really
trustworthy_ fellow-workers, who will stay where they are asked, and can
be trusted really to give signals to those who have to perform any part
of the little ceremony.
June 20th, 1890.
TO HER MOTHER.
_Re_ the opening of the lawn.
I am to see Sir F. Knowles, who represents the Prince, for final
settlement of programme on Monday at 2.30 o’clock; and, after that, we
have a committee, and I hope much will get definitely settled and
communicable; and _that_ I may send to the printers. Next week I have a
series of interviews on the ground with the builders, vestry, workmen,
police, volunteers, band, and guard, etc. Thursday, a committee to
settle distribution of tickets, and after that we shall despatch them.
The week following we must get to more detailed decisions as to
individuals and their duties, and see the execution of what the
corporate bodies plan....
[Sidenote: OPENING OF “THE LAWN,” LAMBETH]
Larksfield,
July 9th, 1890.
MRS. HILL TO MRS. EDMUND MAURICE.
Princess Louise and the Prince and Princess of Wales were _delighted_
and thoroughly at one with the people. The Prince of Wales was about to
enter his carriage, when he bethought him of returning and making his
way through the crowd and seeking out Lester to shake hands with him....
Octavia was delighted with the workmen. She says it was entirely due to
them that the order was so good. Miss Chase was most sprightly and full
of delight with the fun. Miranda in the house ... was a most happy and
useful hostess. Mr. K. and A. were most complimentary to Octavia as to
the arrangements. She says they have taken three weeks’ “hard work;” and
_her_ “hard work” means something.... I do rejoice that our Royal family
use their great position as they do.
Crockham,
August 14th, 1890.
OCTAVIA TO MRS. EDMUND MAURICE.
We went to see the Poors’ Land at Bethnal Green on Tuesday. You know it
was left to trustees 200 years ago with an emphatic clause prohibiting
all building. It has been let to a lunatic asylum built on adjoining
land, which has used it for a huge garden, six-and-a-half acres. The
authorities there are _strong_ against the proposed building.... We went
to Oxford House the same day to meet some members of the Poors’ Land
Committee. They showed us a workmen’s club there, numbering 600 members,
to which is attached a co-operative store, doing £10,000 a year
business. It is all under the wing of Mr. and Mrs. B., who used to go
backwards and forwards from Hampstead to work, but now have taken a
large old house adjoining the club, and live there entirely.... They
have a sacred-looking little chapel, where they have family prayers,
which opens from their house and from the club, so that any who like can
join. They say few do; “but they know there is prayer going up for them
in all their troubles, and in what strength and hope we work.” ... At
night we went to Bethnal Green to be present at a meeting of the local
committee. They met in the first floor room over a cheesemonger’s shop,
the cheesemonger being himself one of the trustees. The committee was
all composed of tradesmen of the neighbourhood, except that there was
one _very_ young but very capable lawyer from Oxford House. Then there
was a negro, who, they say, has been most helpful. He has a wonderful
gift of oratory, and has addressed numbers of open-air meetings. It was
a strange and interesting sight, but oh! so difficult to get any
business done, tho’ they were all very zealous and touchingly eager to
do all which would enable us to take up the matter. Then yesterday, by
way of contrast, we drove over to a farm ... to see Mr. S., who, we
heard, would give us information we wanted to record by way of
protection for (a) common. He is said to have fought in old days for
common rights.... He was a very fine, upright, noble-looking man, and
spoke out in a quiet, independent way. The table cloth was laid, and I
saw neatly marked in red marking cotton on it E ... S ... 1822; and one
felt the care bestowed, and the dignity, by the continuity, of the life.
[Sidenote: SLIGHT DISTURBANCE IN DEPTFORD]
September 1st, 1890.
TO MRS. EDMUND MAURICE.
... Everyone has been so very loving and helpful that indeed I have had
a sense of blessing about the time.... Nor was I much concerned about
the Queen St. matter,[118] except that I could not take it on my own
shoulders from dear Miss Chase. I know how little such things mean, and
how real a blessing the quiet people feel in our rule; they dare not but
pretend sympathy at the moment, but in their hearts they are thankful.
We had a _perfectly_ calm day to-day; everyone specially bright and
friendly to Miss Chase. Mrs. W.[119] got tea ready for her, she says, on
Thursday, but dare not offer it in the street; she meant to send it to
the station, but thought Charlotte would be tracked. Miss Chase was as
bright as a sunbeam; and all seems as past as if it were a century
ago.... I hear two of the White Cross cottages are let, tho’ they are
not finished. I am so glad. I was a little nervous, because Miss I. says
the street is such a difficulty.
September 10th, 1890.
TO REV. INGHAM BROOKE.
I cannot defer writing to tell you how entirely and heartily I hope that
a very happy and full and noble life may be opening out for you both. I
have not the pleasure of knowing Miss Wallick, but I trust she is all
you deserve; and, if she be, she must be good indeed. As to sacrifice, I
don’t know; perhaps there is no great good possible without it; but what
one feels is the immensely deeper meaning and joy which comes, when, as
Ruskin says, one gets the equality “not of likeness,” but of giving and
receiving; the souls that are unlike, and the nations that are unlike,
and the natures that are unlike, each receiving something from, and of,
the other’s gifts and the other’s glory. And of such interchange all
noble love has much.
That a great new gift has come to you, all your friends will greatly
rejoice. You, who have done so abundantly much for the poor, you who
have thought so little of self, best of all seem to deserve such
graciousness of blessing as a wife will be. I am so very, very glad, and
earnestly hope all good things for you both.... Whatever change it makes
in the work, in which you have been the main stay, indeed which you
alone have made possible, I trust you know that I shall feel it all
right. Such changes ought to come; you have worked long and hard; and,
wherever you are, you will work; but, besides this, all we are working
for is to make individual life noble, homes happy, and family life good;
and so all foundation of noble married life is a gain to what we are
working for, tho’ our small schemes of philanthropy may crumble away....
The deep affections which gather round places, and the immense power for
good among men which their knowledge and love of us give, make me often
feel that the continuity of work in one place _is_ a great blessing and
duty.
November 12th, 1890.
MIRANDA TO MRS. DURRANT.
You are right in thinking that we want to settle quite near our present
house on account of work and nearness to Hampstead too. We have found a
house that we very much like in the Marylebone Road. It is smaller than
this, and with much smaller rooms; but it is quiet, light, and cheerful
(having its chief rooms with a south aspect), and cheap. It is also not
a great risk, as we shall take it by the year—at any rate till we know
how we like it. It has a garden in front—and a yard behind—to our great
delight; a little light space and _quiet_ being our chief requirements.
The Marylebone Road used to be noisy; but now it has a wooden pavement,
a great boon. There will be room for Octavia and me with Miss Yorke and
two of the friends now living with us, Miss Pearson and Miss Sim. It
would be a great sorrow to part with them; so we are thankful to get a
house large enough for us all.
[Sidenote: MOVE TO MARYLEBONE ROAD]
Octavia’s work is so wide and many-sided, and she is so large-hearted
and wise in giving all her fellow workers leave to work in their own
way, that she often hands a little domain over to me to work in my own
way. So there is no sense of not carrying out my own ideas.
14, Nottingham Place,
November 22nd, 1890.
OCTAVIA TO MR. S. COCKERELL.
I have never really thanked you for sending me Booth’s book. They are
all reading it with interest. I believe I shall do so, some day, if we
may keep it so long; but I prefer “Old’s News,” like a true disciple of
Ruskin’s, and would rather read it when the fuss is a little over. I
know in my heart of hearts, what I think; and _that_ is that it all
depends on the spiritual and personal power; and _that_ we must measure,
if at all, in the courts, rather than in the book. But the book would
interpret at least the aim. So, thank you much.
December 30th, 1890.
TO THE SAME.
Thank you so very much for sending me “The Dream of John Ball.” I began
reading it yesterday, but have not had time to get very far in it. Still
I hope to do so soon, and send you many heartiest thanks for your
kindness in thus sending it to me.
I have to thank you for such thoughtful and powerful help in the past
year, I hardly know how to begin. I only hope that the conduct of our
business which now falls on you, and so much of the help at the Hall, is
not weighing too heavily on you, or curtailing too much your time for
refreshing change. You must be sure to tell me if it does. I shall try
hard to supplement; and I think, with all our work in Southwark
developing as it is, we ought to reinforce there; but, in any way, it is
the greatest blessing to have such strong, careful help.
Larksfield,
February 1st, 1891.
TO THE SAME.
I should certainly think that it would be right to retain statement that
the Churn articles appeared in C.O.S. Review. It is only courteous and
truthful. There is a tendency to accept the help of C.O.S., and then to
avoid identifying ourselves with it, which I, most of all, should be
careful to avoid.
When they give us a lift, we must be most careful to help an heroic and
unpopular body, by, at least, having the grace to state the facts.
February 17th, 1891.
TO THE SAME.
Miranda was much better on Friday, and ventured to the play. We both
enjoyed it greatly. It is very pretty. Helen’s character beautifully
imagined, and Maud very natural and cheerful. We thought of you with
gratitude.
[Sidenote: CRITICISM OF WILLIAM MORRIS]
Larksfield, Crockham Hill, Edenbridge, Kent,
August 21st, 1891.
TO MR. SYDNEY COCKERELL.
Thank you for Morris’s pamphlet. I read it all with interest. There are
some parts in it that I should like to talk over with you. I felt the
_practical_ part _very_ poor. I also think the miseries of the middle
ages slurred over in a marvellous manner! That doesn’t much matter
practically; but it gives the sense of a crooked way of looking at
things. On the other hand I felt heartily one with the author in his
longing to better things, and tried hard to see if he threw any fresh
light. In fact I thought the _aim_ of the book helpful, but nothing
else.
Larksfield, Crockham Hill,
Edenbridge, Kent,
April 20th, 1891.
TO MR. SYDNEY COCKERELL.
Miss Sewell, the future head of the (Southwark) Settlement proposes to
arrange four lectures on Civic Duty, Socialism, etc., by Mr. Bernard
Bosanquet (whose name I daresay you know), in Southwark, to which the
Settlement might invite their various associates, workers, and friends.
They would have tea and coffee, and a little informal talk afterwards. I
think it an excellent plan, and that it would greatly tend to bring the
whole body of members and friends together and to work. They asked about
the Hall; and it seemed to me that for such an object (which is
practically starting good work in Southwark), especially as it is in the
afternoon, we ought to lend it freely.
April 26th, 1891.
AS TO CADET CORPS.
The only duty I have is to remind all who can judge that our object is
to train good, useful, and healthy men, capable of becoming volunteers;
but that we are pledged, by our own lives and convictions, and by the
trust reposed in us by others, not to weigh for a moment military
training against good, natural, healthy influences. Having said this,
and I say it here in this letter, I have said all I know; and I am quite
happy to leave the decision to the Committees.
June 21st, 1891.
TO MR. SYDNEY COCKERELL.
I am really grieved at what you say. I can imagine the “push” may be
very distasteful; but the decision I should have thought would have been
there, and _all_ good; and one hoped such clear power of business as you
have, combined with other gifts, would have done instead of “push” even
in this age.
I remember a great actress, acting Shakespeare to an untrained audience,
being asked how it was they were so silently attentive; and she said,
“When they shout ‘louder’ from the gallery, I lower my voice.” I always
remembered that story. I can’t help clinging on to the hope of the
possible success of useful business, with all its manifold training,
bringing one into touch with things, and the high ideals. But we shall
see.
[Sidenote: MORRIS’S LECTURES ON ART]
July 19th.
Far be it from me to say one word against any decision to stick to
business. You know how much I honour it, and feel it worth sacrifices;
and, somehow, its regular duties seem to give ballast to characters....
We shall miss you at Erleigh.
190, Marylebone Road,
December 29th, 1891.
TO MISS HARRIS.
We have just parted from our Christmas party of dear ones. Mama, Minnie,
Edmund, and Florence left yesterday, and Margy[120] on Sunday. Miranda
and I are settling in to our usual _most_ interesting daily work again,
in this new home, which is becoming very dear.
“As catching up to-day and yesterday
In a perfect chord of love.”
I wish thou had’st ever seen it. Perhaps, when spring time comes again,
thou may’st come. Larksfield, too, would interest thee; and thou
would’st find it grown, I think.
March 31st, 1892.
TO SYDNEY COCKERELL.
I am more and more delighted with the exquisite book. It is indeed
lovely. My sister Florence and many others have been rejoicing in its
beauty. I have been rejoicing in its beauty. I have only read the
preface straight through once. I do not think it strikes me as
necessarily very revolutionary, tho’ I can believe some people might
think the aim that Morris sets before us can only be obtained by
revolution. I do not think this, and did not notice that he says so.
What struck me was not that it was revolutionary, but that I did not
feel that it was very true. There are people to whom Art is a _very_
great joy, and to whom pleasure in making lovely things is great; and
one could believe the number might and should increase, and the joy
increase. But I think there are, and may rightly be thousands, the main
work of whose days may be some little or even great effort, and their
work be joyful rather in its result than in its doing; and that this
effort is a natural and right discipline. The joy of many, by far the
greatest, is the home joy which glorifies and gladdens the daily work.
And this I may say without forgetting the blessing of all natural and
created beauty; without wishing to explain away the undue sadness, and
unhealthy conditions of much modern work. Only I think Morris
over-estimates the sorrow for most men.
Perhaps few but Cambridge men will remember the joke referred to in
the following letter. Doctor Thompson, of Trinity, said of a young
Fellow whose action on a certain occasion he had resented, that “the
time which he could spare from the adornment of his person he devoted
to a conscientious neglect of his duties.”
Larksfield, Crockham Hill,
April 11th, 1892.
MY DEAREST MIRANDA.
I fear you must think me very neglectful, but I really seem to have my
time very full. You see, there is all “the time I spend in the neglect
of my duties,” to say nothing of the rest. You will not suspect me of
devoting much to “the adornment of my person;” but I _have_ ordered a
new hat and dress.
[Sidenote: RUSSIAN PERSECUTION OF JEWS]
Mr. Mocatta came in on Friday, and so did Miss Astley and a friend. Mr.
Mocatta gave a very interesting account of the Jews’ expulsion, and what
they are doing.... He says that they are mainly descendants of the Jews,
who were spoiled by the Crusaders; and that they found themselves
obliged to migrate from the whole line of march of the Crusaders, and
settled in Poland.... There they lived in peace till the partition of
Poland. Then the Russians restricted them to the “pale,” which was
large, all towns, no villages or country. Certain people, university
graduates, retired soldiers, etc., might “live out of the pale,” and
gradually others did so also, by bribing police or escaping notice....
Then lately the old laws were enforced, and people, who for forty or
fifty years have lived elsewhere, were all ordered back to the pale. He
says they all want to get to America, and used to come to England hoping
to be helped further.
He spoke, with great approbation, of Baron Hirsch’s scheme. He has a
vast tract in the Argentine Republic—lovely climate and fertile soil;
but it must take a year to get ready.
Larksfield,
April 15th, 1892.
(_Re_ HILLY FIELDS?)
TO MIRANDA.
You ask about the House of Commons, My evidence went all right. I think
I scored; but I felt from the first it was no use, and they considered
that they could not go into the question on what I call its important
grounds. Having passed the second reading, they could not alter the
matter so much in principle. They only really heard me as to access to
the Park for the poor, and a few other things. It was rather interesting
to see the crowded Committee room, and the row of wigged lawyers, and
the small Committee, and to hear the evidence and cross-examination.
April, 1892.
TO MIRANDA.
We went to a wonderfully beautiful exhibition of pictures at Guildhall.
There is a very beautiful Burne-Jones, “The Wheel of Fortune.” Of course
Fortune is blind, but it is really grand. Also “Love among the Ruins”;
very lovely—the woman’s face really so, and the colour exquisite.
I hope we may get the Bell St. freehold. It would be a great relief.
Larksfield,
August 12th, 1892.
TO MIRANDA.
We had a delightful day yesterday at Lady Pollock’s with a party from
Southwark. We had refreshing drives in waggonettes, dinner and tea out
of doors, uninterrupted sunshine, and the greatest kindness. At the
station Hallam Tennyson came up and reintroduced himself; he was so kind
and friendly, and invited me to luncheon there, saying that his father
would be so very glad if I would go. I am to write to him to fix a day.
Larksfield,
September 4th, 1892.
TO HER MOTHER.
... I went to Tennyson’s on Monday. Mrs. Hunter sent me over. It was an
exquisite drive over the spur of Blackdown, among the heather, and with
the loveliest views on each side towards promontory of hill beyond hill
descending to the plain. Then, through a long quiet lane arched with
trees, reminding me somewhat of lanes in the Isle of Wight; then out
again on to the open heath, and then into Tennyson’s grounds. The
house ... is not interesting; it stands among terraces set with great
evergreens standing rather like cypress at the Pitti; between them the
blue distance of valley and hill. Lady Tennyson was very kind, and
looked as spiritual and full of heart as ever. Lord Tennyson and I had
some talk before luncheon, but nothing of any real interest; at lunch
some Americans arrived, and the lady was next to him, and I on Hallam’s
right, so I got no talk, and after luncheon he was tired. So far as he
was concerned, it was disappointing. But they were all most kind, begged
me to go again; and I felt as if I had got a real glimpse of the home.
Young Mrs. Tennyson was charming, and I had a quite delightful afternoon
with her. She showed me a set of large beautiful photographs of the
characters in the “Foresters,” which has been acted in America. She has
a large room, with a balcony, and a lovely view at the top of the house
near her children.... Lady Sophia Palmer has asked me to go to them next
Sunday to meet the Bishop of London and Mrs. Temple, and Jowett, but I
am not going. The Hooles are coming here.
[Sidenote: VISIT TO THE TENNYSONS]
Dear Miranda is so sweet; we read Dante all three together, which is
very interesting....
I am going to try to avoid going up to town next week. I seem to long
for a little time of quiet; and ten days here would be so restful. We
shall see.
December 7th, 1892.
TO MISS HARRIS.
MY OWN DEAREST MARY,
Thy beautiful letter arrived duly, and was the greatest joy to me.
Thanks and blessings on thee for it! I don’t ever feel it easy, of late
years, to say anything except about practical things, but thou knowest
how incessantly my thoughts fly back to thee, not only now, but as thou
ever wert to me in the old, old days.
I have just finished rough draft of _very_ dull article for _Nineteenth
Century_, also marking map of footpath for Quarter Sessions.
I am sending off Alessandri’s lovely Venetian work to the Arundel, after
which I hope to send it to Mary Harrison, and I hope thou wilt see it. I
am sure thou wilt delight in the beautiful Doge. He lies before me now,
so still and grand.
1893.
LETTER TO FELLOW-WORKERS.
I came down to breakfast one morning and found on my table a letter from
Mrs. Russell Gurney, whom I had not seen for many years, saying she had
left to me in her will a block of model dwellings,[121] which she and
her husband had built years before, but that she would like me to take
it now. The gift went right to my heart, and I was delighted. But I
asked her to make it a trust, and she kindly consented to let it be
added to the trust.
[Sidenote: A SOUTHWARK FLOWER SHOW]
July 22nd, 1893.
FROM MIRANDA TO MARY HARRIS.
We have had a very busy time. Our Southwark Flower Show, the first held
at Red Cross Garden, was a great success. We found the plants grown by
the poor people much healthier than we had dared to hope in such an
atmosphere. Great interest was felt by the poor people; and they seem to
feel encouraged; and many more intend to exhibit next year. The scene
was very pretty, the garden decorated with flags, and little tables with
tea under the balcony where people sat, as in a foreign town. There were
two bands, one of them the Southwark Cadets; and the scene was enlivened
by their bright coats. The plants were under cover in the hall. Out of
doors the people danced Sir Roger de Coverley to the music of the band.
Octavia is busy with plans for new cottages. We are so glad that the
Ecclesiastical Commissioners are interesting themselves to build such.
They have consulted her about plans.
May 17th, 1893.
TO MISS OLIVE COCKERELL.
DEAREST OLIVE,
If I don’t see you before you start, be sure my love and blessings go
with you out into the strange, new world.[122] I hope you will be very
happy, and that the lifting of the horizon, which is such a joy to the
young, and to those who, as they grow older, still keep the child heart,
may be a great refreshment. You leave behind you so much love, and a
year so soon slips over, that I hope the sense in parting will be almost
all of gain and hope.
I am, dearest Olive,
Your loving Godmother,
OCTAVIA HILL.
June 18th, 1893.
MIRANDA TO MRS. DURRANT.
Lord Aberdare is Chairman of the Royal Commission on Pensions for the
Aged Poor, before which Octavia gave evidence last week. He had been
abroad, and so was not present when she gave evidence; but he said
playfully he hoped they had treated her properly in his absence, and
said that Chamberlain had “acknowledged himself vanquished.” Octavia had
to answer some rather catchy questions from him; but her clear, cool
head enabled her to come out with triumph. One of the Commissioners
afterwards laughed and said to her privately, “How well you tackled
Joe!” and “You _did_ stand up to Joe!” with great wonder and glee.
Octavia said to Lord Aberdare that the Commissioners had made long
statements of _their_ views, and had asked her whether she agreed with
these, and that it was rather difficult to follow and to reply.
November 22nd, 1893.
OCTAVIA TO SYDNEY COCKERELL.
I am returning, with many thanks, “Ruskin’s Life.” It is, even to me,
wonderful reading, when one gets a sort of living impression of the
whole, by reading it thro’. One or two of the apparent failures brought
tears to my eyes, and the memory of the words,—
[Sidenote: LIFE OF RUSKIN]
“If he strained too wide,
It was not to take honour, but give help;
The gesture was heroic. If his hand
Accomplishing nothing ... (well it is proved)
That empty hand thrown impotently out
Were sooner caught, I think, by One in heaven,
Than may a hand that reaped a harvest in,
And kept the scythe’s glow on it.”
Then, when one thinks of what the world was in his early days, and what
it is now, and what his share in its attainment of higher ideals and
simpler life, one realises something of what he has achieved.
The picture of the Brantwood life was, to me, specially charming. Some
of the book was, as you will know, exquisitely painful. But I cling on
to greater confidence in silence than in words. The chasms and ruins of
tempest and earthquake are healed best by the quiet growth of all that
is lovely and gentle; but Time is needed. Time, and to be let alone.
November 22nd, 1893.
TO ELLEN CHASE.
... Queen Street goes wonderfully. Miss Gee does wonders there. I have
been collecting on your side, and greatly do I enjoy it. I have with me,
usually, there a charming young lady, Miss Ter Meulen from Amsterdam,
who is spending a few months in England, to prepare for taking up houses
in her own country. She is full of power, brightness, and sweet human
sympathy. Mrs. C. is clear, never missed a 6_d._, as she promised you,
_very_ righteous and grand now; the home looks very happy and
comfortable. Mrs. L. is taking pattern by her, is paying 3_d._, without
fail, but still has £2 7_s._ 0_d._ to clear. Poor Mrs. M. met with bad
accident, a barrel from a dray fell on her, and she has been in bed for
weeks; but M. says with a real loving smile, “I shall have her about
again by Xmas.” C. is out of work! Maria C. is as responsible and
satisfactory as ever. Her influence tells at home; the place is a
pattern of neatness. Bridget C. is married; at first I thought the
others were going to the dogs without her, and her husband wouldn’t let
her live in the street; but we had one row with old C., conquered him,
and began on sound footing....
Thank you _very_ much for report of Public Reservations. It is _most_
useful. Mr. Rawnsley has taken up the idea of a similar trust; we are
getting it up, and had a first meeting this month. Forty-one acres of
Hilly Fields are really bought; the four acres of Glebe still hang fire.
I am invited to unveiling of Lowell’s Memorial at the Abbey on Tuesday;
I should like to go, but it is just in the heart of Southwark work. Can
I go?
December 7th, 1893.
TO MISS HARRIS.
How very, very long it is since we met! but how the memory of all the
love of years abides and grows!... It was a very holy and quiet
birthday; just at Mr. Alford’s church, with Mama and the beloved
Hampstead circle. Miranda and Mama wrote me lovely poems with their
presents, and flowers poured in; but they were just from the near
circle, or very old friends.... I had arranged not to go to Red Cross in
order to go to Mama....
Hast thou seen Lowell’s letters? They are full of fun, but with a great
vein of tenderest pathos too.
[Sidenote: ABOUT METHODS OF WORK]
190 Marylebone Road,
December 10th, 1893.
MIRANDA TO MRS. DURRANT.
Octavia gave evidence the other day before a Committee on the subject of
the Unemployed. She is strongly against exceptional measures. She was
examined for an hour and a quarter, and her friends on the Committee
note that her evidence did good. It took us nearly six hours to correct
the proofs of her evidence.
190 Marylebone Road, N.W.,
February 10th, 1894.
OCTAVIA TO MISS SHAEN.
What you say about work with me makes me very longing. But, dearest
Maggie, I would be the last to say a word to urge you to strain to do
what would risk your health. It is such a blessing that you are back
among your friends. Only don’t forget me, and let less scrupulous
friends press you in, and make me lose you, if even you can do more, and
might have come to me. What I have always thought that I should like
best of all—what would have seemed to me to have opened up the maximum
of help with the minimum of exertion,—what would have brought us
together, and would have given us the benefit of your judgment and
sympathy in most useful manner, would have been to let us elect you on
the Women’s University Settlement Committee. It meets only once a month.
Miss Sewell brings up the work in a quite perfect way; and, thro’ her,
one comes into touch with that second stage of life—the one of helping
others—which opens out to so many Girton, Newnham, and other girls in
this age of service. Your presence among us would be the greatest help.
But, as I say, my most earnest desire is to stand aside, and not by
word, look, or deed press you, till you feel able. Indeed, one knows how
little one can plan for another. Ways we know little of open for our
friends, and lead to better things than our most loving and longing
thoughts can imagine.
Viterbo,
April 6th, 1894.
TO HER MOTHER.
Here we are, in the quaintest city. It is called the Nuremberg of Italy,
and is full of marvellous doorways, fountains, outside staircases, and
towers. It is entirely surrounded by walls. The foundations are
Etruscan. The people come riding in from the country on mules, with
trousers of goat or sheepskin with the hair on, and leather at the back
where the saddle would wear it. They have hugely long sticks for whips,
and look wild and good-bye.... Florence would delight in the great
cavern-like looking shops, with the people at work in them, and in the
streets; and everything goes on out of doors, and the workman makes and
sells his own goods at home. We see several hand-looms in the streets.
We have been to the Cathedral, and the Council Chamber adjoining, the
roof of which fell on its proud builder and killed him, and which has
stood roofless for some two or three hundred years. A monk was awakened
from a vision in which he saw a black man, who was the devil, striking
the wall. First he called the people to help the pope, who had built the
chamber; but then he cried out that it was too late—the pope was dead.
We go on to-morrow to Narni, and on Monday to Terni. We have here a
large vaulted bedroom, about three times the size of the drawing-room at
Nottingham Place, with three great doors draped with curtains, a marble
floor, and large window looking into the Piazza de Rocca. A great
fountain plays therein, and across it pass the soldiers, the monks in
procession, the country people coming in by the Fiorentino Gate of the
city. It is somewhat like a huge cave at night with two candles; but
most Italian by day.
Your affectionate daughter,
OCTAVIA.
[Sidenote: OLD ITALIAN TOWNS]
Hotel Europa, Terni,
April 10th, 1894.
TO HER MOTHER.
... We have just come down from Amelia. It is one of the oldest cities
in Italy, much older than Rome. There is, however, nothing left of the
very old times, except the huge stones of its walls. One can well see
how strong it must have been. The river folds round its base almost in a
circle; and the deep ravine goes all round, and is set with colossal
crags. It is a picturesque place; and, living as we did opposite its
gate, we saw all the life which assembled there. Viterbo was much
fuller, of course, of artistic and historic treasures; but it was sad to
hear of the country being so rough. M. Shaen’s friend, a Mr. Fisher, who
has travelled about much, and collected such lovely things, was kind
enough to make enquiries for us of various people. They say the
brigandage is extinct, but the country quite unsafe. One proprietor
there pays blackmail to two wild sorts of outlaws, and they keep off
others! The professor, who superintends the Etruscan discoveries, has
had to give up going; they all agreed English people were much safer;
but all also told us it would be risky to be about the country. So, as
we cared little for the towns, and wanted too to drive, we came over at
once to this side, which is quite different. We had the funniest
arrangement at Viterbo—a palatial bedroom, large, vaulted, and grand,
but no food to be had except from a little café. At Amelia it was a
small country inn, quite in the country, and with lovely views, but all
the arrangements very queer. Here we are back in a regular good hotel
with all the comforts of civilised life.
190 Marylebone Road,
October 16th, 1894.
MIRANDA TO HER MOTHER.
Mary Harris _did_ enjoy the time! She was delighted to see Octavia; said
she felt her “so life giving,” and compared her to Herakles in
Balaustion. She was struck with the combination of the poetical with the
practical, and said, “I _am_ glad to have seen that side too!” She
enjoyed Octavia’s reading of poetry.
190 Marylebone Road,
October 30th, 1894.
OCTAVIA TO MRS. EDMUND MAURICE.
I am very sorry not to get up to see you.... I write this in the train
en route for Southwark. I have been paddling about all the morning in
the courts, with Sir Talbot and Lady Baker, Miss Marriott, Lady B.’s
sister, Miss Sim, the surveyor to the estate, a builder and a
leaseholder. Such a funny and large company. We were discussing the
future of the various cottages and blocks. It was very satisfactory to
meet so large-hearted and liberal an owner, and to feel so trusted as to
one’s opinion. We planned several nice things. I had been dreading an
interview, as there were many difficulties, but all went splendidly. We
are getting _most_ responsive and happy replies about the Browning
lectures that we are getting up for the pleasure of our friends.... We
have nearly finished the alteration in one of the three Settlement
houses, and come into full possession of the second on Nov. 14; so we
are very busy with plans and estimates. I am also busy with plans for
two sets of new cottages near Lisson Grove, besides taking over 19 from
the Comrs. in Pimlico.
[Sidenote: WORK IN SOUTHWARK]
We are in full swing with the Hall, and all is going well there. We had
such exquisite flowers last Sunday, sent from Blackmore, and such
beautiful singing. The Hall was full.
I wonder how Florence’s Dante reading went to-day. It would be a very
discouraging day for any but the strong to venture out. I fear, my
darling Minnie, it isn’t very propitious for your swift recovery....
Mr. Chubb has actually got the deed conveying the Cliff at
Barmouth.[123]
Erleigh Court, Reading,
February 9th, 1895.
TO MR. SYDNEY COCKERILL.
On Lady Ducie’s death.
I can hardly yet realise what the void in my life will be from the loss
of the friend of some thirty years, and of such a friend. She was quite
unique, the majesty of intellect being only equalled by the depths of
her affection, and the greatness of her spirit. The intercourse has been
unclouded for all these years; and there will be a void that nothing can
fill. Still all this is a great possession, and one to be thankful for;
and I feel very near her now, and will try to live better for the sight
of what such a spirit can be.
Letter about a book called “Neighbours of Ours,” a series of East End
scenes.
190 Marylebone Road, N.W.,
March 7th, 1895.
TO MR. HENRY NEVINSON.
I have received your most kind letter and the book. I am very much
pleased to possess it, but feel rather ashamed at your having the
trouble to send it to me. Thank you for it very much.
It is quite true that I have been deeply interested in it. It seems to
me an absolutely true picture of people in a stratum of society never
before described in literature. It is a picture drawn with real human
sympathy, and shows, in a beautiful way, how human affection survives,
as the divine spark, in the midst of much degradation. The dramatic
power of the book seems to me remarkable; the only time that the author
reveals himself is in the tenderness of the chosen title, which should
go home to us as a rebuke, but to the people as a pledge of deep human
sympathy.
I fear the book will be little understood. I can think of but few who
will pierce below the low state of civilisation to what is good; and the
absence of the sentimental pictures of virtues our Londoners have not,
which prevail in current writing, will deceive many. But, for the few
who know or who can see how much mess and confusion co-exist in men with
sparks of created nobleness, the book will be a record and a treasure.
Thank you for it very much.
The fun is most refreshing.
[Sidenote: OLD MEMORIES]
190 Marylebone Road, N.W.,
March 20th, 1895.
TO EARL OF DUCIE.
Thank you for the key of the bureau, I shall care much to have the
bureau; having been Lady Ducie’s, it will come like a message.
I don’t think you want me to thank you. You feel, and want me to feel,
that the gift comes from her; but you know that I do feel your kindness
about it all.[124]
May 27th, 1895.
TO MARGARET SHAEN ON THE PLAYGROUND FESTIVAL.
I write just a few words to congratulate you on the thorough success of
the day. I thought it went _beautifully_. Tho’ I saw so little of you, I
was conscious thro’out of your being there, and of how much all owed to
your being owner and head; but most I was thinking that, for you, as for
me, the place was alive with memories. There were to us both Presences
plain in the place; and, as Browning says, there were both kinds, those
who are to be, and to inherit the world we are trying to make fitter for
them, as well as the
“Wonderful dead who have passed
Thro’ the body and gone.”
They all seemed so really among us that sometimes I could hardly think
of anything tangible to be done. Truly did I think of Ruskin’s passage
about Association, and how places become enriched by the life that has
been passed in them. You will know the passage well.
The Warren,
June 5th, 1895.
TO MRS. EDMUND MAURICE.
... You will be sorry to hear that Miss Plunkett has resigned her Hon.
Sec. ship for the Hall. She gives it up after the Flower Show. It will
be a _great_ loss; in fact it will alter what it is possible to do
there. I never find anyone take another’s place. Work becomes different
with a new worker. I always find help when it is really needed; but I do
wonder where this is coming from. However there is time. I had a
delightful visit from Miss Tait. She is going to build three cottages on
a small bit of freehold ground near Lambeth Palace. She brought me the
plans and such a lovely sketch of the outside. The Eccles. Commrs. lent
her the plans, etc., of ours, and she said to me, “You _have_ fired them
with interest about building cottages!” Miss Tait has a lease of the
court at the back, so she will have quite a little colony there, and
Miss Neilson is helping her. Also Miss Gee has been put in charge of
some dreadfully managed blocks close to Mrs. Blyth’s which were a great
annoyance to them. This is nice in every way.... I have done all my work
in advance, or farmed it out; I was so frightened of its falling on
Miranda; and I have engaged a bright new worker to come three days
weekly, Miss Covington now having been transferred to the new cottages
at Westminster, and to help on the South side of river.
2 Montacute Gardens, Tunbridge Wells,
June 28th, 1895.
TO A FELLOW WORKER.
It is very important that you should have a good holiday some time, and
I know well how difficult it is to arrange holidays.
... I am far too deeply impressed with what we owe to volunteers, far
too anxious not to spoil the joy they have in going, even to lay any
claim to their time. What they give I want them to give with full and
willing hearts; and it is only they therefore who can decide what it
shall be.... It is for each who knows the facts to decide whether she
wishes to stay and share the work during the time when the strain is
greatest.
I am extremely glad your courts have been going well.
[Sidenote: HOUSING WORK IN MUNICH]
June 10th, 1896.
TO MISS HOWITT.
My mother has handed on to me your interesting letter of May 29th, that
I may answer the part relating to the Munich schemes. I am delighted to
hear of the prospect of extension of such work. Those only who know
Munich, its working people, customs, and laws, would know how far our
plans would suit; and how far, and in what way, they ought to be
modified. But I quite feel with you that some knowledge of them might be
most useful to anyone in starting similar work, if only to show a way of
proceeding, which would suggest alterations to suit Munich. If anyone
came to London with the idea of such preparation, I would gladly show
and tell them all I could, but it would have to be some definite time,
when I saw my way to give them an opening for real work; and I am afraid
that I should have to ask that whoever came should devote a minimum of
three months to steady work. _Nothing_ could be learnt under that time,
and it is a great upsetting of work to arrange it for less.
My little book, “Homes of the London Poor,” was translated by the late
Princess Alice, but I am not sure where it was published. The “Octavia
Hill” Verein of Berlin might know.
October 26th, 1896.
TO SYDNEY COCKERELL.
I suppose you do not happen to know any gentleman likely to do for, and
accept, our National Trust secretaryship? I fear we want a great deal,
and give next to nothing. Of course, it might grow, but then it might
not. The work would be delightful to one who cared for it: all the good
results of the Commons and Footpaths work, with little or no fighting.
On the contrary, calling on the generous and good people. But then we
want interest in the cause, and accurate habits of business.... Our want
comes about in this way: Our Com. Pres. Sec. has resigned, and we have
been able to promote to his post our young secretary,[125] who has done
such splendid work for our Kent and Surrey Footpath Committee and the
National Trust, giving half his time to each. _Now_ he will give all his
time to commons, and gather under him our vigorous young committees with
a real friendly relation and good grasp.... I wonder if you saw my
letter about Tintagel in the papers. Last week we needed £84 to save
that headland; to-day we need only £23, so I almost see it ours. Is it
not delightful? I must set to work now about Alfreston,[126] a _much_
more difficult problem, and hampered by mistakes and delays before we
touched the matter. Still, into a safe state it must be got.
[Sidenote: TRAINING A DUTCH LADY]
November 2nd, 1896.
TO A FRIEND.
(About helping to train a Dutch lady.)
I am most anxious to do all I can to help Miss Maas in learning what she
can of work. She has made great sacrifices in coming to England to
learn, and I fear it is not easy for her to do so. She is thoroughly in
earnest, and it is just in order to help real learners like her, who
steadily settle down to some months’ training, that I feel it is
important not to take round those who can only devote a day or two to
the thing.
July 28th, 1897.
MRS. HILL TO MISS G. SCHUYLER.
Octavia’s work grows and grows, and according to its wont flourishes.
Her heart is chiefly interested just now in saving _beautiful_ spots in
England, securing them in their beauty for future generations. But more
and more and more houses come into her care. For the next six weeks
every Wednesday will be devoted to taking tenants into the country. One
of the excursions is by steamer to Southend, and will number 500
persons.
Stella d’Ore, Cortina,
October, 1897.
TO HER MOTHER.
We crossed the plain of the Piave, and then entered the series of wild
gorges which took us up and up by the river, till we reached Pieve di
Cadore, Titian’s birthplace. There we slept in a large old Italian inn.
We visited the little cottage where he was born. It made one feel what
great things come from the outwardly small. Such a tiny kitchen, with
wood fire made on a great stone in the centre, over which a great canopy
came down to receive and conduct the smoke. Such quaint old stairs, and
such a tiny bedroom, with garret over it. A great bronze statue of him
dominates the tiny piazza, and faces the small but beautiful municipio.
October 25th, 1897.
TO ELLEN CHASE.
Sir R. Hunter is very anxious to procure the latest reports of the Open
Spaces movement in the U.S.A. Both that of Boston Met. Park Commission
and also the Trustees of State Reservations. Could you be so very kind
as to get them and send them either to him or to me? I should be so
grateful, and I know they would be well used.
190 Marylebone Road,
March 13th, 1898.
TO MRS. EDMUND MAURICE.
I am just starting for the Hall, where Sir J. Causton’s singers will
perform. It is just the sort of dreary day on which I think the fire,
and light, and flowers will be appreciated by Southwark people. We are
greatly enjoying Bryce’s book, and grateful to you for telling us of
it....
I have just come back from the Hall. We had those nice working people
from Sir J. Causton’s; such a sweet earnest little girl of nine played
the violin! Her father, one of the overseers, is so very proud of her.
The dear little thing looked delicate.
[Sidenote: ARRANGEMENTS AT TOYS HILL]
Larksfield,
August 14th, 1898.
TO HER MOTHER.
... I am going over to-morrow to Toys Hill, to talk over many things
with Miss Sewell. I want to get a general idea of what to aim at about
the various pieces of land, which cottages to keep, which to replace,
which part to open to the public. Some of the cottages are greatly
overcrowded, and with that I must deal. I have also now definitely to
settle about the well,[127] and order it. So far as I see, it will be
best to throw open the little terrace adjoining the road which commands
the farthest view, and which has some oak trees on it. Here, too, will
be our well, and, I hope, a seat. The slope from it is so steep that we
shall need a little cris-cross wooden fence as a slight protection. It
will then be rather like the places one sees abroad—projecting terraces
to see a view. Then, also, I think the whole steep bank might be well
left open, and the earth that is excavated may be put at the roots of
the trees. Two of the cottages I hope may be made both better and
prettier. There is some flat ground below, where, perhaps, we may build
two. At this moment cottages are so much needed, and the hill is still
open; I think using this land might be best. On my own land I want, this
autumn at least, to plant.
FEBRUARY 21ST, 1899.
MRS. HILL TO HER COUSIN MISS PRICE.
Octavia’s visit to Alnwick was a remarkably pleasant one. She was much
interested in the family, in the castle, in the scenery to which, and
through which they drove—and in the object of her visit—the improvement
of the sanitary state of the town. It was the first town which adopted
the measures recommended by the General Board of Health when my father
was on the Board; so we have memories there. He stayed in Alnwick in
1855 to superintend the sanitary improvements.
Rome,
March 10th, 1899.
TO HER MOTHER.
... Miss E. took us yesterday to the museum where the various statues,
inscriptions, and urns have been placed; and it was wonderfully living
and interesting to hear, in so living a way, what all the things were.
It is marvellous to realise how the books explain the sculptures, and
the sculptures illustrate the books.... We drove to Hadrian’s villa. It
was lovely sunlight, I never saw such cypresses; they and the olive
trees looked most beautiful among the stately ruins. Miss E. described
Hadrian’s life and surroundings in the most living way.... We drove to
an old convent purchased by a Mr. S. It stands on the edge of the gorge
of the Arno, and just opposite the waterfall, and his grounds go down to
the river. One enters a long old corridor, and the cells, from the
bedrooms; the prior’s rooms are the principal rooms; one looks out on
one side to the gorge and fall, on the other to the convent garden,
great lemon trees covered with fruit, doves, trellis for vines, a cell
where a hermit has lived since the 4th century. Nothing spoiled, only
lived in by a noble sweet and sympathetic English family. On a floor
below the entrance is the refectory which is their dining-room; the
monks’ seats all round were set with lemons in tubs. Below this, but all
opening out on level terraces on the steep declivity, Mr. S. has
excavated a grand room with a Roman pavement.
[Sidenote: OBJECTIONS TO RUSKIN MEMORIAL]
August 22nd, 1900.
TO THE TREASURER,
RUSKIN MEMORIAL FUND.
SIR,
I am in receipt of the circular letter about the proposed memorial to
Mr. Ruskin in Westminster Abbey. I am sorry not to see my way to unite
with his friends in a scheme which is meant to do honour to one to whom
England owes so much, and from whom I myself received teaching and help,
which have greatly influenced my life and work. But Ruskin needs no
memorial. His influence is deeply impressed on thousands; his memorial
consists in his books, his life, his work.
What it seems to me that we, who knew him, should do, in memory of him,
is to carry out more earnestly what he taught us that was good. If, in
memory of him, a building were to be preserved in its ancient beauty, or
a mountain top, or lake, or river side were to be kept in its loveliness
for all to enjoy, I should gladly hail the scheme and care to see the
place saved, not so much as a memorial to him—he needs none—as a
fulfilment of a hope of his.
The erection in the Abbey appears to me to be at least a questionable
good. It is one which he himself might have felt as jarring with the
surroundings. He cared so much for untouched buildings handed down to
us. I could not join in a scheme for touching them.
September 16th, 1900.
TO OLIVE COCKERELL.
I like to picture what a meeting it may be of those two in the great
beyond, where we dare to hope for so much, and to look to meet those we
love; we, as they, purified and grown, and strengthened. Such thoughts,
dear, and not of the grave and death, be yours and Una’s, tho’ one knows
how deep the pain is, and must be.
October 20th, 1908.
Do you not believe your Father and Mother see and know? I do, only we
can’t hear them speak.
6 Montacute Gardens,
Tunbridge Wells,
December 4th, 1900.
TO MRS. HANSON.
... You have so much good work of your own on hand that we must be
careful not to plan anything which would be a burden, or overtax your
strength. To work with full power, to work where one is well known, and
where one’s character tells, is important.
Larksfield, Crockham Hill,
May 19th, 1901.
TO HER MOTHER.
I did wish I had known how beautiful all would be at Red Cross
yesterday, and had suggested your coming. It was really exquisite in
spirit and in form. Dear Miss Ironside was there, the inspiring spirit
of such a group of helpers, and trembling with anxious desire for me to
see all, and to thank the helpers. There were thirty children from each
of twelve schools, and one group besides, who this year performed the
ribbon dance, led the singing, etc. Teachers both men and women from all
the schools were there leading and caring for the children....
[Sidenote: A SOUTHWARK FESTIVAL]
The Kyrle flags made a great effect. The garden itself looked lovely;
trees and creepers are growing, and the Good Shepherd gleamed out among
them, as if watching over the glad crowd of happy children, who marched
and danced and played in bright young unconsciousness. They had almost
unlimited pipes for blowing soap bubbles, and a long line of children
along the balcony sent bubbles innumerable floating into the sun-lighted
air. The cottages have lately been painted and looked so pretty. Every
window in them, as well as in the blocks of Mowbray and Stanhope, was
crowded with onlookers, as was the line of railing separating the garden
from Red Cross Street. On the platform in the Hall, tea was served for
the teachers and helpers, who went in in detachments. Of course the band
made a great feature. At the end it was really most impressive to stand
on the balcony and see the great group of children fall into line and
march singing to the accompaniment of the band, three times round the
garden, making lovely curves over the bridge and by the band stand, the
sunlight streaming on them, till they filed into the Hall, where each
received a bunch of flowers and a bun, and so home.
1901.
TO FELLOW WORKERS.
But by far the largest increase of our work has been in consequence of
the Ecclesiastical Commissioners asking us to take charge of some of
their property, of which the leases fell in, in Southwark and Lambeth.
In Southwark the area had been leased long ago on the old-fashioned
tenure of “lives.” That is, it was held, not for a specified term of
years, but subject to the life of certain persons. The lease fell in
therefore quite suddenly, and fifty of the houses, which were occupied
by working people, were placed under my care. I had only four days’
notice before I had to begin collecting. It was well for us that my
fellow-workers rose to the occasion, and at once undertook the added
duties; well, too, that we were just then pretty strong in workers. It
was a curious Monday’s work. The houses having been let and sublet I
could be furnished with few particulars. I had a map, and the numbers of
the houses, which were scattered in various streets over the five acres
which had reverted to the Commissioners; but I had no tenant’s name, nor
the rental of any tenement, nor did the tenants know or recognise the
written authority, having long paid to other landlords. I subdivided the
area geographically between my two principal South London workers, and I
went to every house accompanied by one or other of them. I learnt the
name of the tenant, explained the circumstances, saw their books and
learnt their rental, and finally succeeded in obtaining every rent. Many
of the houses required much attention, and since then we have been
busily employed in supervising necessary repairs. The late lessees were
liable for dilapidations, and I felt once more how valuable to us it was
to represent owners like the Commissioners, for all this legal and
surveying work was done ably by responsible and qualified men of
business, while we were free to go in and out among the tenants, watch
details, report grievous defects, decide what repairs essential to
health should be done instantly. We have not half done all this, but we
are steadily progressing.
[Sidenote: WORK FROM ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONERS]
The very same day the Commissioners sent to me about this sudden
accession of work in Southwark, they asked me whether I could also take
over 160 houses in Lambeth. I had known that this lease was falling in
to them, and I knew that they proposed rebuilding for working people on
some seven acres there, and would consult me about this. But I had no
idea that they meant to ask me to take charge of the old cottages
pending the rebuilding. However, we were able to undertake this, and it
will be a very great advantage to us to get to know the tenants, the
locality, the workers in the neighbourhood, before the great decisions
about rebuilding are made. In this case I had the advantage of going
round with the late lessee, who gave me names, rentals and particulars,
and whose relations with his late tenants struck me as very satisfactory
and human. On this area our main duties have been to induce tenants to
pay who knew that their houses were coming down; (in this we have
succeeded), to decide those difficult questions of what to repair in
houses soon to be destroyed, to empty one portion of the area where
cottages are first to be built, providing accommodation as far as
possible for tenants, and to arrange the somewhat complicated minute
details as to rates and taxes payable for cottages partly empty, or
temporarily empty, on assessments which had all to be ascertained, and
where certain rates in certain houses for certain times only were
payable by the owners, whom we represent.