System Number: 00037
Date: [9 October 1899][1]
Author: JW
Place: Pourville-sur-Mer
Recipient: Inez Addams[2]
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler A37
Document Type: ALS[3]
Pavillon Madeleine
Monday -
Dear Miss Bate -
Your letter excellent - and I feel sure that all will be perfect with the Apprentice who so readily perceives and carries out all that is intended! -
As to the recalcitrant, Master Crawford[4] you are quite right to let him see your own indifference and impersonality in the matter - though* it must be understood that these [p. 2] instructions, through you, come direct from head quarters -
You might therefore say to him - Mr Crawford - that, in your official report you necessarily noted the fact that Mr Crawford had abstained from submitting his work until Mr Whistlers return, when he proposed to carry it to him himself - Mr Whistler in reply wishes it to be clearly understood that he cannot entertain any discussion of his regulations and that he may not be approached in any[5] exceptional way - The order concerning the Candidates' work is a general one - applying to all -
Each Candidate for admission will immediately hand in a specimen of his, or her, work to the Massière, Miss Bate, who in due course will announce the decision officially - Until such decision is communicated to the Candidate he cannot commence working in the Atelier-Carmen -
In all this Mr Whistler expects, as the only acknowledgement that can be made him, complete acquiessence [sic] in his wishes - and perfect loyalty -
Any regretable [sic] example of hesitation being quite out of the question - and absurd among the distinguished ladies & gentlemen whom it is his pleasure to meet -
[p. 3] P. S - You had better send for Mr Crawford and read to him what I have just written - beginning from where I have marked with a star: ... "it must be understood.." etc -
It occurs to me that it would be a good thing to read it out to the class - or hang it up - that it may be seen by all - So I write it out for you again - (without omitting any personal reference) You might at once lay it down flat on a piece of cardboard for the time being, and have it framed[6] by and bye -
Write me at once result - & other details -
Very Sincerely
J McNeill Whistler -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [9 October 1899]
Dated from day of week ('Monday') and from sequence of correspondence. The envelope transcribed at #00040 may belong with this letter.
2. Inez Addams
Inez Eleanor Addams (fl. 1898-1927), née Bate, painter [more]. This letter relates to the Académie Carmen, the Paris atelier opened by Carmen Rossi, model, proprietess of the Académie Carmen [more], where JW taught occasionally from 1898-1901. Addams was one of its first students. She became legally articled to JW as an apprentice on 20 July 1899 (see indentureship, #00019) and also acted as studio massière. See also JW to I. Addams, #00036, which also concerns the admission of students to the Académie.
3. ALS
The letter has a deep mourning border on pp. 1 and 3.
4. Master Crawford
Earl Stetson Crawford (1877-1934), art student at the Académie Carmen [more].
5. any
Double underlined.
6. framed
See #00002 for a similar statement from JW to the Académie, intended for distribution amongst students.