System Number: 00618
Date: 2 December 1888
Author: Theodore Child[1]
Place: Paris
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler C119
Document Type: ALS
99 Av. de Villiers
2 Dec. 1888
My dear Mr Whistler
Many thanks for your welcome and amusing letter[2]. I have sent Atlas[3] a word about those silly creatures whom you condescend to combat and deign to crush.
I saw Graves[4], old man with white hair and young man[5] with stuttering speech. I expounded the matter to them but they did not take much interest in me, not seeing any advantage to themselves in the reproduction of the picture. The British are truely [sic] noble patrons of art! Thereupon I offered to pay them ten pounds for the right of reproducing the picture in Harper's Magazine[6], an extreme measure which your interests alone induced me to take. This (p. 2) offer caused them to change their tone because it would be £10 set off against the £400 that Howell[7] owes them. The stuttering Graves promised to go round and see Howell the next morning & arrange the matter. Since then I have heard nothing but I write them tonight and hope for the best. These delays are terrible.
I am delighted to hear that you intend sending me one or two pictures this week. Please send them as soon as possible grande vitesse[8]. We will of course pay carriage and insurance. I want to have this matter carried through in first rate style. With thanks and hopes that you will continue your kind attention
I remain yours faithfully
Theodore Child
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Theodore Child
Theodore Child (1846-1892), journalist and art critic [more]. He had written to JW on 7 November 1888 (#00617).
2. letter
Not located.
3. Atlas
Edmund Hodgson Yates (1831-1894), novelist, 'Atlas' columnist and editor-proprietor of the World [more].
4. Graves
Henry Graves (1806-1892), print dealer and founder of H. Graves and Co. [more].
5. young man
Algernon Graves (1845-1922), of H. Graves and Co., print dealers [more].
6. picture in Harper's Magazine
Arrangement in Brown and Black: Portrait of Miss Rosa Corder (YMSM 203) was among several pictures reproduced for the first time in Child, Theodore, 'American Artists at the Paris Exhibition,' Harpers New Monthly Magazine, vol. 79, no. 472, September 1889, pp. 489-521.
7. Howell
Charles Augustus ('Owl') Howell (1840? - d.1890), entrepreneur [more].
8. grande vitesse
Fr., express courier, express delivery.