Martin Farquhar Tupper (1810 to 1889) was a philosopher, author and poet who lived with his family at Albury House, Albury, from around 1840 until his death. Born in London, the son of Dr Martin Tupper and Ellin Devis Marris, Tupper attended Charterhouse School in Godalming before obtaining degrees at Christ Church, Oxford, where he formed a lifelong friendship with William Ewart Gladstone.
In 1828, the year he went up to Oxford, Tupper became engaged to his cousin, Isabelle Devis, and they married in November 1835. Before their engagement, Tupper had written his 'notions on the holy estate of matrimony for the special use and behoof of Isabelle'. These 'sentiments' were to form a basis of thoughts which he expanded for his first book, 'Proverbial Philosophy'.
Tupper's collection of poems in 'Proverbial Philosophy' explored themes of wisdom, morality, and the human experience. Originally published in 1838, it enjoyed great success in Britain and America. In 1854, an illustrated edition of 'Proverbial Philosophy' was published with more than sixty drawings by fifteen artists that included John Tenniel, Myles Birket Foster and Edward Henry (E H) Corbould.
Tupper's correspondence in our archive collections (reference 10804) includes a letter of 12 June 1852 to one of the illustrators prior to the book's publication. In it, Tupper thanks E H Corbould for his artistic contributions but suggests some adaptations to his work.
Tupper begins,
"My dear Sir
Thanks for your skilful diligence (in the midst of far more important avocations) – whereof the results are very satisfactory. I would however, as you urge me, take the designs in detail & submit a few suggestions for your approbation."
Tupper skilfully combines flattery and humour to soften the blow, as his critique of Corbould's 'Of Subjection' reveals:
"The standard-bearer & his rebel army is very picturesque but your magic pencil can make them more 'turbulent': they are too like a regular army & we want Jack Cade's rapscallions. You see, the idea to be illustrated is 'insubordination'."
Eight of Corbauld's contributions appeared in the illustrated edition of 'Proverbial Philosophy' but not before 'Discretion' and 'Rest' received the following 'constructive criticism' from Tupper:
"In 'discretion': the clamorous pauperism is excellent, & the profuse knight with his prudent almoner all that can be desired: but I would suggest, instead of the beggar on his haunches in the corner, a touch at the contrasted idea of 'honest labour pining – hiding his sharp ribs' – some poor old labourer going into his work to whom the almoner may be pointing. You will see at a glance what I mean."
"The picture part of 'Rest' is very martinesque but you will see cause to reconsider the figure of the sleeper: as it is in fact myself (!), he cannot be interrupted; there he is more like the Giant Fisher than a thinking sage (?) – What I recommend in lieu of him (though in himself most beautifully drawn & fast asleep) is the hill in the foreground splitting asunder and the unresting sage starting back from it. The idea to be illustrated is restlessness you see: & not rest. If you can, get into the square picture the "purple mountains", etc."
As Instructor of Historical Painting to the Royal Family, Corbould's reaction to Tupper's comments would have been interesting to observe, but it seems that changes were made to secure their publication. Corbould's contributions in the 1854 edition were as follows: 'Of Indirect Influences', page 25; 'Of Subjection', pages 47 and 48; 'Of Rest', page 51; 'Of Discretion', page 87; 'Of Recreation', page 98; 'Of Neglect', page 266; and 'Of Society', page 351.
Surrey History Centre holds copies of 'Proverbial Philosophy', including an illustrated edition, inscribed 'Isabella Tupper, from her affectionate husband, Albury, December 15th 1853'.
Martin Tupper features prominently in the records of Albury History Society held at Surrey History Centre (reference 8261). In 1840, he opposed the closure of the Saxon church in Albury by Henry Drummond, recorded in correspondence between Tupper, Drummond and the Bishop of Winchester (reference 8261/2/1/1). In 1848, he excavated the site of a Roman temple at Farley Heath which he celebrated in a eponymous poem (reference 8261/9/1/2). Copies of Tupper's other poems can be found in collection references 5107 and 8261.
Sources
- Derek, Hudson, 'Martin Tupper: his rise and fall' (1949). Hudson's papers relating to his biography of Tupper are held at Surrey History Centre (reference 1521)
- 'Proverbial Philosophy' by Martin F Tupper of Christ Church, Oxford. (Thomas Hatchard, London. 1854). Bound in blue cloth with gilt decoration on the cover. Contains the first and second series of Proverbial Philosophy. Illustrated by many hands, including John Tenniel, Walter Severn and Charles West Cope (reference 1578/3)
Images
Select image to view a larger version.
- Photograph of the Tupper family outside Albury House, 1864. Martin Tupper is seated, right (reference 8261/9/1/7)
- Front page of letter to [E H Corbould], 12 Jun 1852 (reference 10804/1)
- 'Of Subjection' illustration by E H Corbould in 'Proverbial Philosophy', page 47 (reference 1578/3)
- 'Of Discretion' with illustration by E H Corbould in 'Proverbial Philosophy', page 87 (reference 1578/3)
- 'Of Rest' with illustration by E H Corbould in 'Proverbial Philosophy', page 51 (reference 1578/3)