System Number: 06104
Date: 29 November 1893
Author: Thomas Robert Way[1]
Place: London
Recipient: JW
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler W101
Document Type: ALS[2]
LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING OFFICE,
21, WELLINGTON STREET, STRAND, W. C.
LONDON,
Novr 29 1893
My dear Mr Whistler
I have received both your note and the new packet of paper and the corrected nude figure[3] - The 12 sets of the other four drawings are in hand now. But for these alterations you suggest, no! no!! no!!! if the matter were a common coarse commercial affair, we should only say it must be entirely redrawn if these alterations are necessary. But, my master, are they necessary? will not all this mass of dark make [p. 2] the figure quite weak? Both my father[4] and I find the drawing as it is so charming and delightful that we are staggered at the idea of your altering it in anything like the manner your sketch proposes. It is certain that any such attempt will ruin the drawing. I notice you have painted out a number of touches with white[,] of course these can be done easily, but not the additions - Do now! do leave this drawing (with these small erasures made) as it is, and have it printed with the others, and make another drawing on the lines of these alterations, you wont regret it later on.
I have not had any paper sent me by M. Marty[5], to print the seated figure[6] on, if you should [p. 3] see him, ask him, please, to send me a line as to whether I am to expect any or no? when I know I can send you something that may answer in place of his, although his would be the best -
with kindest regards from my Father and me to Mrs Whistler[7] & yourself -
I remain yours very sincerely
Tom R. Way.
J. McN. Whistler Esqre
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Thomas Robert Way
Thomas Robert Way (1861-1913), printer, lithographer and painter [more].
2. ALS
Published in Spink, Nesta R., The Lithographs of James McNeill Whistler, gen. eds Harriet K. Stratis and Martha Tedeschi, Chicago, 1998, vol. 2, pp. 76-77, no. 62.
3. nude figure
In his letter of 28 November JW had suggested altering Nude Model, Reclining (C.73) (see #03353).
4. father
Thomas Way (1837-1915), lithographic printer [more].
5. M. Marty
André E. Marty (b. 1857), journalist, illustrator and print publisher [more].
6. seated figure
107 impressions of The Draped Figure, Seated (C.72) were printed by Way and issued with L'Estampe Originale, album IV, Paris, October-December 1893.
7. Mrs Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].