System Number: 03996
Date: 4 December 1891
Author: Howard Mansfield[1]
Place: New York
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler M267
Document Type: ALS
'Dec. 4. 91.[2]'
21 WEST 36TH STREET.
Dear Mr. Whistler;
Last winter I was asked to give a lecture on "Original Etchings". I complied with the request and prepared a paper in which I first discussed the essential characteristics of the art and then illustrated my positions by references to the work of the masters of the art.
Messrs. Dodd, Mead & Co.[3] of this city have [p. 2] now offered to publish what I may have to say on this subject, if I will elaborate it to the size of a book. They would like to have the book illustrated with a few original etchings. I have thought of you and van s'Gravesande[4] [sic] and Platt[5]e, and perhaps Church[6] as the artists whom I would like to have make the etchings.
[p. 3] Would you be willing to make one? If you would, I should be very much pleased. On receiving a favorable reply, I will see the publishers, and as the book takes shape, the details can be arranged, after terms have been agreed upon.
I send you with this an extract from my lecture which may interest you.
[p. 4] Freer[7] was with me the other evening, and I dare say you will soon hear from him with regard to the lithographs he is anxious to have.
Wishing to be cordially remembered to Mrs. Whistler[8] and Miss Phillips[9] [sic],
I am
Yours faithfully,
Howard Mansfield.
December 4, 1891.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Howard Mansfield
Howard Mansfield (1849-1938), New York lawyer, print collector [more].
2. Dec. 4. 91.
Date added in the hand of Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958), JW's sister-in-law [more]; in pencil.
3. Messrs. Dodd, Mead & Co.
Publishers, of New York.
4. van s'Gravesande
Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's Gravesande (1841-1924), printmaker and painter [more].
5. Platt
Charles Adams Platt (1861-1933), architect, garden designer, etcher and painter [more].
6. Church
Arthur Herbert Church (1834-1915), painter of landscape and still-life [more].
7. Freer
Charles Lang Freer (1856-1919), industrialist, collector and founder of the Freer Gallery of Art [more].
8. Mrs. Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].
9. Miss Phillips
Ethel Whibley (1861-1920), née Philip, JW's sister-in-law [more].