| Description | There is an original bundle label in James Watt jr.'s handwriting which reads: 'Correspondence etc, relative to Handsworth Cemetery. 1825 - 1829. Including the Dispute with Hollins.'
The correspondence was at some time arranged in alphabetical order and this has been retained. Each individual's letters are arranged in chronological order. Copy press letters,1825 - 1829, from James Watt jr. to William Hollins and others are included, filed with Hollins' letters to Watt jr. This correspondence forms the main bulk of the bundle.
James Watt jr. employed designs by Richard Bridgens, with alterations by Thomas Rickman for the chapel at St Mary's, Handsworth. William Hollins of Birmingham was the builder employed to undertake the work on the chapel. A dispute arose between Watt jr. and Hollins over the final payment. Watt jr. was dissatisfied because Hollins' work greatly exceeded the estimate and overran the time estimated. Hollins attributed this to incorrect information at the start, numerous alterations to the designs and insufficient specifications from the architects. Referees were appointed to resolve the matter.
The bundle includes letters from:
George Barker; Richard Bridgens; Mr Burden; J. & J. Carline; Sir Francis Chantrey; F. Clayton; Reverend E. Dales; Thomas Dixon; Reverend Thomas Lane Freer; Henry M. Griffiths; James Haden; James W.Higgins; Benjamin Hollins; William Hollins; J. H. Miller; John Mott; William Mylne; Thomas Rickman; Rickman & Hutchinson; R. Thomson.
Bridgens' letters include mention of furniture etc. he was designing for Aston Hall, as well as his designs for the chapel. Other letters deal with the business of obtaining the Faculty; choosing the stone to be used; providing the painted glass etc. For drawings of the designs for the chapel, see the bundle following: MS 3219/6/99. |