Autograph letter signed by cookery writer, John Charles Buckmaster c1890s

John Charles Buckmaster (1819-1908). Autograph letter signed, c1890's with cookery content. 5, John's Hill, Wandsworth.
 
Undated, on embossed Science and Art Department, South Kensington stationery, 115 x 185 mm. Single sheet folded to form four pages, written on all four sides. Old collector's pencil identification to the first page. Horizontal folds with light age toning and minor handling wear, overall very good.
 
A rare autograph letter by the Victorian educator, chemist and cookery writer John Charles Buckmaster, one of the leading advocates of technical and domestic science education during the second half of the nineteenth century. Largely self-educated, Buckmaster served for many years as a Science Organising Master in the Science and Art Department at South Kensington, lectured extensively on chemistry and domestic economy, and published a number of influential educational works including several books on cookery and household management.
 
Writing from 5 St John's Hill, Wandsworth, Buckmaster discusses the preparation of a cookery lesson, giving practical guidance on the arrangement of utensils and ingredients. He refers to recipes including potato & leek soup, stewed sole and omelette, noting that these will teach what materials are required and utensils, while also commenting upon the use of gas for cooking demonstrations. An uncommon survival.