Documents associated with: Gilbert, Alfred
Record 19 of 46
System Number: 06019
Date: 3 February 1891
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: Edward Arthur Walton[1]
Place: [Glasgow]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler W16
Document Type: ALS
21, CHEYNE WALK,[2]
CHELSEA.
'2'[3]
Dear Sir -
I beg to thank you for your last two letters[4] received - and I trust also that the Gentlemen with you, understand how much I appreciate the interest they show in this matter. -
You wish to know what I am asking for the Carlyle[5] :
The Picture, as I told you, when I received your first communication, I had begun to think would [p. 2] find its home in America[6] - but this flattering effort on the part of the Painters of Glasgow, to retain, for their town, my portrait of their great countryman, is, with me, all influential - and I shall be too pleased to forego the increase of price which I should now have put upon it -
A thousand guineas you know I asked for the painting when in your Exhibition[7] - let it remain at that sum -
I shall be delighted to know that the signatures of two such distinguished men as Orchardson[8] & Gilbert[9] are added to the list[10] - and I think excellent the proposition of our friend Mr Walker[11] - Pray remember me to him. -
And believe me, dear Sir,
with my best compliments
Very faithfully Yours
J. McNeill Whistler
Feb. 3. 1891.
To
E. A. Walton Esq -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Edward Arthur Walton
Edward Arthur Walton (1860-1922), painter [more]. There is a copy by JW of this letter (#06020).
2. 21, CHEYNE WALK,
Printed address heading in orange ink.
3. '2'
Written in another hand, in red pencil.
4. letters
On 2 and 26 January (#06017, #06018).
5. Carlyle
Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Portrait of Thomas Carlyle (YMSM 137).
7. Exhibition
International Exhibition, Kelvingrove, Glasgow, 1888.
8. Orchardson
William Quiller Orchardson (1832-1910), genre and portrait painter [more].
9. Gilbert
Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934), sculptor [more].
10. the list
A petition of Scottish artists had been raised in support of the purchase of the Carlyle portrait. The picture was eventually purchased by Glasgow Corporation later in 1891.
11. Mr Walker
Robert Walker (ca 1841 - d.1900), Secretary of the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts [more].