System Number: 05189
Date: [27 June 1892][1]
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: Stephen Richards[2]
Place: London
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler R89
Document Type: ALS
33. Rue de Tournon Paris
Dear Sir -
You have of course had my letter through Mr. Kennedy[3], therefore I need scarcely add more as to the care I trust you are taking with these four pictures -
You see the great faith I put in your conscientiousness
I mean that I know you will run me no risks - Now Mr Kennedy wishes you to send over the "Battersea Reach[4]", and the Balcony[5] without their frames to me hear [p. 2] before you re varnish them - for me to see if I should touch them - You can get them off if possible tomorrow -
As to the two others - the cracks if any must be very superficial and you can put them right -
Remember there is no "scumbling[6]" in my painting ever -
J McN Whistler
In great hast[e] - Please write
This document is protected by copyright.
Envelope:
Mr. Richards -4. Berners Street
Oxford Street
London
Angleterre
[stamp:] POSTE / 25 / REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE
[postmark:] PARIS À CALAIS [29?] / D / 27 / JUIN / 92
[postmark:] LONDON W / D 7 / JU 2[8?] / 92
Notes:
1. 27 June 1892
Dated from postmark. The date 'June 27th 1892' was added on p. 1 by an unknown hand.
2. Stephen Richards
Stephen Richards (b. ca 1845), picture restorer [more].
3. Mr. Kennedy
Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), dealer with H. Wunderlich and Co., New York [more].
4. Battersea Reach
Battersea Reach (YMSM 45).
5. Balcony
Variations in Flesh Colour and Green: The Balcony (YMSM 56).
6. scumbling
Dryish paint scraped with a brush or knife to give a rougher texture: in fact JW did use this technique in some early paintings.