System Number: 04661
Date: [10 May 1897][1]
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: Philippa Maude Philip[2]
Place: London
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler P301
Document Type: ALS[3]
110. Rue du Bac -
Monday -
My dear Miss Maud [sic] -
I am going to trespass upon your time and good nature! - So you must forgive me if you can -
I want you to go at once to the Studio - You know - 8. Fitzroy Street. Fitzroy Square - and tell Marie[4] that you come from me, and that she must you give you [sic] the key of the writing table, or "Bureau" as she is accustomed to hear it called - That key is in the drawer of the little Sideboard, of which I now send you [p. 2] the Key! - I hope this is clear! although it sounds very involved! - But it really is simple as possible - The key I send you opens the drawer of the sideboard in which is the key of the Bureau or writing table -
Well - now when Marie has given you that, open the writing table and sit down! -
[sketch[5] of writing table, with * next to a left hand drawer]
* In the drawer on the left hand, - top or bottom - you will find several large envelopes - I think in the top drawer and under some handkerchiefs -
These envelopes contain special matters - indicated I believe on the outside - They are all open - I want at once the one that contains letters and receipts of Mons. Thil[6] - my landlord -
If his name is not on the outside, you will find it in the papers inside. Take then that envelope, and put it in a large P. O. Registered envelope and post it to me immediately - You ought to get this on tuesday morning, and I ought to have yours on Wednesday morning -
Lock up the writing table, and give Marie the key to put back in the sideboard drawer - lock that and keep the key until my return - And now receive my best thanks for your trouble and tell me how you find the studio [p. 3] looking? -
The key I shall either put in this letter or send seperately [sic] with a label according to the regulations of the Post Office here -
With kindest regards to all of you
Very affectionately Yrs
J McN. Whistler
This document is protected by copyright.
Envelope:
Miss Maude Philippa Birnie-PhilipDhu House -
36. Tite Street
Chelsea -
London -
[stamp:] POSTE / 25 / [REPUBL]IQUE FRANCAISE
[postmark:] PAR[IS-80?] / R. [DU] BAC / 4E 10 / MAI / 97
[postmark on verso:] REGISTERED / [7?] / MY 11 97
Notes:
1. [10 May 1897]
Dated from the postmark and almanac.
2. Philippa Maude Philip
Philippa Maude Philip (1865-1915), JW's sister-in-law [more].
3. ALS
Written on deep bordered mourning stationery. The upper left corner at the front of the envelope has been torn away.
4. Marie
Marie, a Belgian servant hired by JW in London.
5. sketch
A room in 8 Fitzroy Street, London (M.1504).
6. Thil
André Thil (fl. 1877-1901), JW's landlord at 110 rue du Bac, Paris [more].