System Number: 07254
Date: [1/8 July 1895][1]
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: Edward Guthrie Kennedy[2]
Place: [New York?]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler W1242
Document Type: ALdS
110. Rue du Bac - Paris
My dear O.K -
The Westminster Bridge[3] for Mrs. Jack[4] is here - all right - Now are you coming over? - and shall I keep these things here for you - I mean the etchings - or would you like them sent on to Lauser[5]? -
Are you coming to the Ceremony[6]? -
You will be pleased to know that the Lady[7] of the house continues in better health! better sleep! and has wonderful spirits! -
I have an idea that I shall do immediate and good business with the Sarasate[8] - and am in [p. 2] full negotiation concerning it - Don't say any thing of this -
Now you see among the old works, the "Fire Wheel[9]" is all that is left - Mrs. Jack having carried off the last blue Nocturne -
Do you see your way to good business with the "Fire Wheel"? - Reid[10] has always been nibbling at it but would never come up to the scratch - I want 1000 gs for it - & of course you can get more and can have all you get beyond - But you might write and tell me if you see business within reach? -
I am going to get at the little "Studio[11]" picture, and put in the head for you at once - Do you think then that you could get the £400 before you go back? This if without wearying[12] you, would come well - You know it is not for me this time -
However I must put in the little head first! -
Well come over if you are coming - or write O K!
Always
[butterfly signature]
About[13] the Bookplate - I will do what I can to please you but I wish [I] knew more about it. You must tell me when we see you -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [1/8 July 1895]
Dated from the reference to marriage (see below).
2. Edward Guthrie Kennedy
Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), dealer with H. Wunderlich and Co., New York [more].
3. Westminster Bridge
Nocturne: Grey and Gold - Westminster Bridge (YMSM 145).
4. Mrs. Jack
JW may have mistaken the title of the painting bought by Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924), née Stewart, collector [more], since it was at this time she bought Nocturne: Blue and Silver - Battersea Reach (YMSM 152).
5. Lauser
Gustave Lauser (b. ca 1841), London print-seller [more].
6. Ceremony
JW is referring to the marriage of Ethel Whibley (1861-1920), née Philip, JW's sister-in-law [more], and Charles Whibley (1859-1930), writer and journalist [more] on 11 July 1895.
7. Lady
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].
8. Sarasate
Arrangement in Black: Portrait of Señor Pablo de Sarasate (YMSM 315).
9. Fire Wheel
Nocturne: Black and Gold - The Fire Wheel (YMSM 169).
10. Reid
Alexander Reid (1854-1936), Glasgow dealer [more].
11. Studio
Whistler in his Studio (YMSM 63); JW was selling it for William McNeill Whistler (1836-1900), physician, JW's brother [more] (see his letter to W. McN. Whistler, #07017).
12. wearying
This word is unclear and might read 'worrying'.
13. About ... see you
Written in the left margin on p. 2.