System Number: 01780
Date: [7/14 November 1880][1]
Author: JW
Place: [Venice]
Recipient: William Graham[2]
Place: [Venice]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler G146
Document Type: MsLc[3]
No. 5.
Copy.
Dear Graham -
Here I am again abusing your kindness and this time trespassing upon your house room by begging you to give a corner somewhere in your studio to these odd canvases[4] and frames until my return - This scrawl is written in the midst of a whirl of packing and biting in plates[5] up to the last for tomorrow en route for London -
you know I should have been to see you more than once during these last few days but have [been] a slave to the "Fine Arts Society[6]" - but I intend to take it out of them by and bye! Shall come to thank you and bid you Goodbye this afternoon at about 5 or a little after.
In maddening haste -
Always affectionately yours.
(sg) J. McN. Whistler -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [7/14 November 1880]
Dated after 6 November 1880 when M. B. Huish sent JW sufficient money to enable him to return from Venice (#01117).
2. William Graham
William Graham (1841-1910), artist [more].
3. MsLc
This transcription is based on a manuscript copy of the original by Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958), JW's sister-in-law [more]. The original, now missing, was lent to her by Graham in April 1908.
4. canvases
Several oil paintings made by JW in Venice have been recorded but few survive (YMSM 211-222).
5. biting in plates
JW's etchings of Venice (K.183-232, 240) were published in two sets. Some copper-plates drawn earlier were apparently etched at the last minute. Little Venice (K.183) was etched ('bitten') back in London.
6. Fine Arts Society
The first set of twelve etchings, Mr Whistler's Etchings of Venice, 1880 (the first 'Venice Set') (K. 183-189, 191-195). (excat 5), was commisioned by the Fine Art Society, London dealers, in 1879 and published in 1880.