UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

The Corresponence of James McNeil Whistler
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System Number: 05929
Date: [8 May 1903][1]
Author: George Washington Vanderbilt[2]
Place: [Biltmore]
Recipient: JW
Place: London
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler V18
Document Type: W


[telegraph form:] POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

[postmark:] CHELSEA - S. W. / X / MY 8 / 03

HANDED IN AT } Biltmore NC AT    .M., RECEIVED HERE AT } 7 58 p.M.

TO { Whistler 74 Cheyne Walk
Chelsea Ldn

Can you give me some sittings[3] in June & July[.] if so will arrange to be in London[.] cable answer[.] my cypher address is morebilt[.] this one word as address [p. 2] with excellent for message I will understand to mean that you hope to see me

George Vanderbilt


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Notes:

1.  [8 May 1903]
Dated from the postmark.

2.  George Washington Vanderbilt
George Washington Vanderbilt (1862-1914), collector [more].

3.  sittings
For the Portrait of George W. Vanderbilt (YMSM 481). Vanderbilt commissioned the work in May 1897 (see G. Vanderbilt to JW, #05914). However JW's health was failing and he felt hassled by Vanderbilt. He complained to William Heinemann: 'my condition of entanglement is more extraordinary than ever! - Vanderbilt and complications of portraits "while you wait"! - - maddening!' (#08514). In July 1902, he became seriously ill whilst on holiday in The Hague in Holland. His health never fully recovered and Vanderbilt's portrait remained unfinished.