Publication files

Robertson initiated his project on Eastlake and Victorian taste in the arts during a Spring sabbatical in 1954, which he conceded would require 'many years of research' ('Prof. Studies English Taste', Barnard Bulletin 14 Mar 1955). During extended sabbatical leave in 1967/68, he undertook archival research on Eastlake in British repositories, including the National Gallery (see NGA58/2/6). At this time he expected to offer the resulting book to Faber and Faber 'in accordance with the agreement arrived at in connection with another book, George Mallory, which they plan to bring out in the autumn', although Frank Hermann expressed an interest on behalf of Methuen & Co. (NGA58/2/23); Robertson did contact Faber about the manuscript in 1971 (NGA58/248).

Robertson had hoped to have a completed manuscript ready by February 1971 with a view to publication in time for the 150th anniversary of the National Gallery in 1974 (NGA58/2/50); however, teaching and other commitments meant that it was not until August 1973 that Robertson had a nearly completed manuscript. This he contracted with Princeton University Press, although it seems that Robertson was permitted to explore other options, possibly in relation to UK distribution, which he did with the Clarendon Press and John Murray. According to the latter, the book was 'a little specialised for our list' but 'Princeton University Press would ... publish it very well and unless their agency arrangements in this country are very strong, it is proabably that they would be happy to print-on an edition for any interested London publishers' (NGA58/2/50).

'Sir Charles Eastlake and the Victorian Art World' was published in March 1978; early reviews appeared in the Times Literary Supplement (by Kenneth Clark), New York Review of Books (by Francis Haskell) and Sunday New York Times (by John Russell).

This serries comprises administrative files relating to the production and publication of Robertson's book, particularly ongoing additions and corrections to the manuscript at the gallery proof stage. There is a file of post-publication correspondence with readers raising queries, requesting futher information or pointing out errors in the text.