System Number: 01812
Date: [10 October 1884][1]
Author: JW
Place: [London]
Recipient: Algernon Graves[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler G178
Document Type: ALdf
Dear Mr. Graves -
In reply to your request I have to say that I am quite willing that my portrait of Carlyle[3] should remain a while longer in Edinburgh - but will you kindly say to the Gentleman your Correspondent[4] that I tire am weary of the discussion and and the distinctions between what is supposed to be serious in my work & what is known to be excentric[5] [sic] that whereas at first they might have securred [sic] the picture for four hundred, I have now made up my mind that the it's [sic] real worth shall be asserted the by its price since in no other way can it be understood -
The Carlyle shall no longer be a cheap and easy acquisition - I now refuse to par receive less than 1000 guineas for it ask for it 1000 guineas -
However I think it right that the gentlemen of in Scotland should know that they are not alone here also was the occasion of obtaining they have the best authority for not purchasing this "excentric" canvass [sic] [...]
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [10 October 1884]
This is a partial draft of #10918, the second page having been lost.
2. Algernon Graves
Algernon Graves (1845-1922), of H. Graves and Co., print dealers [more].
3. portrait of Carlyle
Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Portrait of Thomas Carlyle (YMSM 137) had been on exhibition in Loan Exhibition, Scottish National Portraits, Board of Manufactures, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, 1884. It was finally bought by the City of Glasgow in 1891 for 1000 guineas.
4. Correspondent
Not identified.
5. excentric
George Roland Halkett (1855-1918), artist, critic and political cartoonist, in his letter to the Scotsman on 3 October 1884 referred to 'Whistler's unconventional methods and personal eccentricities' (#11748).