UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

The Corresponence of James McNeil Whistler
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Mary Carlyle Aitken, 1848-1895

Nationality: British
Date of Birth: 1848
Place of Birth:
Date of Death: 1895
Place of Death:

Identity:

Mary Carlyle, née Aitken, was the niece of the historian and philosopher, Thomas Carlyle. She married Alexander Carlyle in 1879.

Life:

Mary Carlyle was in touch with Whistler in 1872/1873 during the sittings of Thomas Carlyle for Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Portrait of Thomas Carlyle (YMSM 137). In one letter she reported that her uncle was 'beginning to be impressed with the portrait' and that he felt there was 'a certain massive originality about the whole thing' (#07564).

Mary Carlyle was the author of Scottish song: A Selection of the Choicest Lyrics of Scotland, 1874.

Bibliography:

British Library on-line catalogue (accessed 2004).