| Title | Letter from Charles Barry, 1, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, to [William] Spottiswoode, Burlington House, Royal Society |
| Description | Refers to his correspondence with Walter White regarding the library bookshelves, which are not deficient themselves, but are more than the contract quantity has been supplied and therefore cost extra, and he has at present no funds available for them. Informs White had told him he proposed to place before the committee with a view of making a request to the Office of Works to allow the amount necessary. Says the shelves are for the reception of larger than ordinary books which White told him he believes instructions were given in the first instance, but Barry found no records of this. Says before the fittings of the library were done, large scale drawings showing every bookshelf were submitted by himself for the consideration of the Royal Society committee and were approved after careful consideration without reference to the shelves now requested. Concludes that therefore without special instructions from the Office of Works he cannot order the shelves to be done. Confirms the other shelves in which edges remained unfinished were to be attended to. |