System Number: 07204
Date: 29 October 1892
Author: Edward Guthrie Kennedy[1]
Place: New York
Recipient: JW
Place: Paris
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler W1192
Document Type: ALS
[scroll:] H. WUNDERLICH & CO.
H W & CO.
RARE PRINTS
868 B'WAY N- Y-
Oct. 29 / 92.
Dear Mr. Whistler,
I have heard from Mr. Ives[2] of Chicago and he says that the English part of the "Department of Fine Arts" is entrusted to Edwin A. Abbey[3], Morgan Hall, Fairford, Gloucestershire. The various items of expense, such as boxing, transportation, insurance &c. is borne jointly by the United States Government and the Exposition management. Mr. Ives says: "We are getting everything in line satisfactorily, and I am sure that if our artist friends could realize the way that matters are developing here, they would use every means in their power to impress the people that good work is being done by American painters".
Mr. Halsey[4] is willing to assist you in every possible way and is expecting to hear from you.
Now as to your pictures in England. It is not much use for me to do [p. 2] anything from this side, but I think if you give it into Dunthorne's[5] hands through me, that he will undertake the task of taking care of the pictures. How about Abbey? Would he interest himself personally?
I shall write to these people from here (that is the owners of your pictures) if you think it best to do so and Dunthorne or Abbey will look after them, Dunthorne being a practical man is decidedly the one to be preferred.
Once more as to the reasons given à propos of the Whistler painting's.
I appreciate the delicacy which prompted your actions and hope you understand my position as hastily explained to you in my last. That is, I think that if the "Sea and Sand[6]" is to be sold here, I should have the first chance, with which I notice you cordially agree. Can I have been misinformed as to the "Sea and Sand" being here?
[p. 3] I was informed that it was for Sale at Durand-Ruels[7] here in New York. My idea was to make an exhibition of your new etchings in the Spring and enough water Colors & paintings in oil to give variety to it & fill the gallery[8]. I do want a full-length figure if it can possibly be had. I do not feel warranted in buying it, but I think I could place it here. You might let me know about the exhibition and what you can do towards it.
No doubt you will have the etchings by the New Year. As I said before, I should like to see a proof of that "Man in an arbour[9]" very much.
With best regards I am,
Yours most truly,
E. G. Kennedy.
[p. 4] Just a word to say that Richards[10] like the dense personages who inhabit the "tight little island", misunderstood a figurative expression and threatened to write to you about it! I said he charged 30/- for looking at the "Balcony[11]". He may have done something to it, but it looks just the same as when in London and it was entirely unnecessary to have done anything to it. [...][12]
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Notes:
1. Edward Guthrie Kennedy
Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), dealer with H. Wunderlich and Co., New York [more].
2. Mr. Ives
Halsey Cooley Ives (1847-1911), painter [more]. He was organising exhibits for World's Columbian Exposition, Department of Fine Arts, Chicago, 1893.
3. Edwin A. Abbey
Edwin Austin Abbey (1852-1911), painter and illustrator [more].
4. Mr. Halsey
Halsey Cooley Ives (1847-1911), painter [more].
5. Dunthorne's
Robert Dunthorne (b. ca 1851), of the Rembrandt Gallery, print dealer and publisher [more].
6. Sea and Sand
He means Harmony in Blue and Silver: Trouville (YMSM 64). See also reference in #07203.
7. Durand-Ruels
Paul Durand-Ruel (1828 or 1831-1922), Paris art dealer, or one of his sons, Joseph (1862-1928), Charles (1865-1892) or Georges (1866-1931).
8. gallery
Their last show of JW's work, 'Notes' - 'Harmonies' - 'Nocturnes', H. Wunderlich and Co., New York, 1889, had limited success, and no further exhibition took place.
9. Man in an arbour
JW had made a portrait drypoint of Kennedy but apparently destroyed it.
10. Richards
Stephen Richards (b. ca 1845), picture restorer [more].
11. Balcony
Variations in Flesh Colour and Green: The Balcony (YMSM 56).
12. [...]
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