Mark Masterman Sykes: Papers, 1813-1825

RLIN ID No.
NYGG87-A17

Main Entry
Sykes, Mark Masterman, Sir, 1771-1823.

Title
Papers, [ca. 1813-1825], bulk 1823-1825.

Physical Description
51 items (.25 linear ft.)

Historical/Biographical Note
English bibliophile and picture collector; member of Parliament for Sledmore, Yorkshire, where his estate was located. Sykes’ library was considered one of the finest in England and was especially strong in early printed editions of the Greek and Roman classics, incunables, and 16th century English poetry. The collections were sold following his death in three lots in May-June 1824.

Scope and Contents
Collection consists of fifty-one ALS, mainly by those involved in the disposition of Sykes’ collections of books, prints, drawings and paintings after his death in 1823. Correspondence to and from Sykes’ solicitor, John Lockwood, and the book auctioneer Robert Harding Evans; with Samuel Sotheby, who was in charge of selling the pictures (and whose bankruptcy and illness are mentioned); and with William Young Ottley, an artist who acted as Sotheby’s agent and whose work created many difficulties. Some letters include lists of books, bills, and receipts connected with the sales. Also correspondence ca. 1813-1818 between Sykes and his solicitors, including Lockwood, relating to financial details of his land, carriages, bonds, and books.

Names
Lockwood, John, correspondent.
Evans, R. H. (Robert Harding), 1778-1857, correspondent.
Sotheby, Samuel, 1771-1842, correspondent.
Ottley, William Young, 1771-1836, correspondent.

Subjects
Sykes, Mark Masterman, Sir, 1771-1823. Library.
Sykes, Mark Masterman, Sir, 1771-1823. Art collections.
Private libraries. England. Yorkshire. 19th century.
Decedents estates. England. Yorkshire. 19th century.
Real property. England. Yorkshire. 19th century.
Book collecting. England. Yorkshire. 19th century.
Prints. Collectors and collecting. England. Yorkshire. 19th century.

Occupation (as reflected in collection)
Book collectors. England. Yorkshire. 19th century.

Location
Grolier Club, 47 East 60th Street, New York, N.Y. 10022-1098.