Autograph letter signed by Crystal Palace engineer Sir Charles Fox dated 1866

DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CRYSTAL PALACE BY AN ENGINEER THAT BUILT IT
 
FOX, Sir Charles (1810-1874). Autograph Letter Signed, Spring Gardens, 17 March 1866.
 
Four-page autograph letter on a bifolium, mourning border, written on two pages, 130 x 200 mm. Folded as sent. Mounting residue to the final blank page, not affecting the text, with light creasing from folding, otherwise in very good condition.
 
A letter concerning the campaign against Sunday opening at the Crystal Palace, written by one of its principal engineers. Fox explains that "the Sunday opening at the Crystal Palace" has prompted him to act and states that, in support of the object outlined in the recipient's previous letter, he has "recently purchased £3,000 worth of Crystal Palace Co.'s stock", thereby acquiring "a considerable number of votes". He concludes by assuring the recipient that they "may rely upon us for any aid we may have it in our power to render in furtherance of the great cause of Sabbath observance."
 
Sir Charles Fox was the distinguished civil engineer who, in partnership with Joseph Paxton, made possible the construction of the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of 1851 before supervising its removal and reconstruction at Sydenham. This letter, written from Spring Gardens in 1866, reveals Fox continuing to influence the affairs of the Crystal Palace fifteen years after its creation. A letter that connects Fox himself with the later history and management of the Crystal Palace.