Treasures for the Haworth Museum

Abstract

AbstractRecently there has arrived at the Parsonage Museum at Haworth one of the most interesting gifts ever received by the Bronte Society— Charlotte Bronte’s writing desk or “desk-box.”Taken to Ireland by Mr. Nicholls when he left Haworth in 1861, it was, more than thirty years later, shown by him to Mr. Reginald Smith, the son-in-law and business successor of George Smith, Charlotte’s friend and publisher. Mr. Reginald Smith tried to induce Mr. Nicholls to part with the precious article; but, although he had not long before parted with Emily’s desk to Clement Shorter, Mr. Nicholls would not dispose of his first wife’s property; and Mr. Smith had to wait until the sale of Bronte relics that took place after Mr. Nicholls’ death before the desk passed into his possession.