Autograph signed letter by Sculpter Charles Bell (C.B) Birch The Last Call 1879

BIRCH, Charles Bell (1832-1893). Autograph letter signed, with contemporary newspaper cutting relating to his celebrated sculpture “The Last Call”. 21 Great College Street, Westminster, 26 May 1879.
 
Single sheet on printed headed paper, 280 x 110mm overall including mounted cutting. Printed address and monogram at head, with an additional heraldic/device vignette affixed to the paper. Letter written in ink on one side only and signed. Beneath the letter is neatly mounted a contemporary newspaper review discussing Birch’s sculpture The Last Call, exhibited at the Royal Academy. Light marginal wear and a small tear to the card at the foot; a very good example overall.
 
The Last Call is the dramatic equestrian group sculpted by Birch, depicting a cavalry trumpeter and horse simultaneously struck down in battle. The sculpture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1879 and proved one of Birch’s best-known works, contributing materially to his election as Associate of the Royal Academy the following year.