System Number: 00091
Date: [21 October 1901][1]
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: Inez Addams[2]
Place: Paris
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler A91-A91a
Document Type: ALS
[monogram in roundel:] WH[3]
6, NORFOLK STREET[4],
PARK LANE. W.
This is most excellent about the Carmen[5] - and I send instantly, that no time be lost, this line of great approval -
Nothing could be better than her coming to you - I would let her talk as much as possible! - Of course she will do this more readily when you are by yourselves - & it is not necessary that Mr Addams[6] should try, as you might think, for nothing can be more conducive to confidence than a tête-à-tête!
[p. 2] I daresay that really she is bubbling over with things - and among them something pointing to this picture mystery is sure to pop out! - Besides I doubt not she is longing to confide in someone - who may perhaps see a way out for her! - so all that must be encouraged - and any word of hope put in if occasion offers - Of course we dont expect full & complete confession right off - in one sitting, as who should say! - but perhaps the "grand ennemi[7]" might be someone who wishes to spread evil reports, and influence Monsieur against her! - someone so maliciously inclined as even to suggest that Madame Carmen had been disposing of odds & ends from the studio that were not her own! instead of being all the time really only little presents that "Monsieur qui est si bon[8]", continually made her! Though in all this you may see looming the "Hessel"[9] we are waiting for, still I would not confine myself to any particular line of direction, in case she might take fright - The object will be naturally to obtain eventually anythi something like a list of the works she has sold, whether "her own" or otherwise - & to whom, of course all this will be only by and bye - but even the faintest sign that you notice may help - So I want you to write me detailed account of each interview at once whilst fresh in your memory -
Indeed I almost expect a letter from you tomorrow! if you have already seen her today! - And now my dear Mrs Addams I am troubled at all the work I am giving you! - and I have to thank you for the beautiful offering from Inez to Phryne[10]! - ..... the thought was graceful as the flowers were exquisite! -
About the lithographs - directly [p. 3] This goes now -
with kindest messages to both! -
and many thanks
[butterfly signature]
Write direct to
care of Mr Heinemann[11] -
6. Norfolk St.
Park Lane -
This document is protected by copyright.
Envelope:
Call Number: GUL MS Whistler A91aA
Madame Clifford Addams
49. Boulevard Montparnasse
Paris -
[stamp:] POSTAGE AND INLAND REVENUE / ONE PENNY
[stamp:] POSTAGE & REVENUE / 2 1/2 d
[postmarks x 2:] LONDON W / 7PM / OC 21 / 01
Notes:
1. [21 October 1901]
Dated from the postmark.
2. Inez Addams
Inez Eleanor Addams (fl. 1898-1927), née Bate, painter [more].
3. WH
This is the printed notepaper of William Heinemann (1863-1920), publisher [more].
4. NORFOLK STREET
The letter is written at right-angles to the printed address.
5. Carmen
Carmen Rossi, model, proprietess of the Académie Carmen [more]. She was suspected of stealing paintings from JW's studio.
6. Mr Addams
Clifford Isaac Addams (1876-1942), etcher [more].
7. grand ennemi
Fr., great enemy.
8. Monsieur qui est si bon
Fr., the master who is so good.
9. Hessel
Hessel, unidentified.
10. Phryne
Purple and Gold: Phryne the Superb! - Builder of Temples (YMSM 490).
11. Mr Heinemann
William Heinemann (1863-1920), publisher [more].