System Number: 00938
Date: 15 April 1887
Author: Helen Lenoir[1]
Place: London
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler D144
Document Type: ALS
ADDRESS TELEGRAMS : - "SAVOYARD, LONDON".
SAVOY THEATRE, LONDON, W. C.
[etc.]
April 15 1887
Dear Mr Whistler
Forgive this writing but I have only today got back from Berlin & have been travelling all night and am very tired & stupid - I found a great mass of letters waiting for me and amongst them the memorandum of your secretary's[2] call, which I asked Mr [p. 2] Edwards[3] about. As the matter seemed immediate, I sent by hand to Mr George Lewis[4] to ascertain in what way the pictures should be sent. I told him I thought you would object to the "mother[5]" going as Mr Carte[6]'s property.
He replies that the Lady Archibald[7] should certainly go in Mr Carte's name, and that as to the other he would advise you should sign the enclosed document and direct the committee of the Exhibition[8] to hold the [p. 3] picture "my mother" at Mr Carte's disposal and at the close of the Exhibition to deliver the same to his order and not to any other person or persons - and that you should get from the secretary a memorandum acknowledging receipt of such order.
I think this will be in accordance with your wishes and also with the formalities required - so, if you will send me a line tomorrow saying this suits you I will send the pictures to Messrs Agnew[9] asking them to fetch the pictures - Kindly returned [sic] the memorandum signed at same time.
sincerely yrs
Helen Lenoir
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Helen Lenoir
Helen Lenoir (1852-1913), née Coupar Black, actress and stage manager [more].
2. secretary's
Charles James Whistler Hanson (1870-1935), engineer, son of JW and Louisa Fanny Hanson [more].
3. Edwards
Possibly W. A. Edwards, employee of Messrs Dowdeswell.
4. Mr George Lewis
Sir George Henry Lewis (1833-1911), society lawyer [more].
5. mother
Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter's Mother (YMSM 101).
6. Carte
Richard D'Oyly Carte (1844-1901), impresario and property developer [more].
7. Lady Archibald
Arrangement in Black: La Dame au brodequin jaune - Portrait of Lady Archibald Campbell (YMSM 242).
8. committee of the Exhibition
Not identified.
9. Messrs Agnew
William Agnew (1825-1910), art dealer [more].