System Number: 03155
Date: [4/7 April 1896][1]
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: Arthur Haythorne Studd[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler LB 4/207
Document Type: MsLc
St. Jude's Cottage - Heath End -
Hampstead
My dear Peter -
Your picture is splendid!
I have been with Richards[3] - and the old varnish, in its perished state, was removed under my supervision - and today the new coat of varnish was put on -
The painting[4] is in a lovely condition and you have never before seen your picture as you now will see it - It is most brilliant - and in about just [as good a state] as if it had left the easel yesterday -
Richards thinks it better to keep it until Monday so that it may dry thoroughly - before risking the journey - I told him that I agreed with him and would let you know - On Monday therefore he will bring it down to you himself - so that it run[s] no risk - and see to its hanging in the drawing room
Suppose you come up to my studio in the afternoon - say at about 5. o'clock - You know. 8 Fitzroy Street. Fitzroy Square. -
Always
[butterfly signature]
Is it all right about the bill - I have payed [sic] Richards - so that's all right! -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [4/7 April 1896]
Dated from the address and reference to Nocturne: Black and Gold - The Fire Wheel (YMSM 169). JW moved to Heath End, Hampstead, in early April as his wife Beatrix was fatally ill with cancer. The painting arrived back from New York (where it had been with the dealer Edward G. Kennedy) in late March 1896.
2. Arthur Haythorne Studd
Arthur ('Peter') Haythorne Studd (1863-1919), painter and collector [more]. He had been known as 'Peter' since art student days.
3. Richards
Stephen Richards (b. ca 1845), picture restorer [more].
4. painting
Nocturne: Black and Gold - The Fire Wheel (YMSM 169). JW had received the picture back from New York to find it in a bad state (JW to E. G. Kennedy, #09745). He took it immediately to Richards for revarnishing. Soon afterwards, Studd purchased it for £1000 guineas (see A. H. Studd to JW, #03152).