System Number: 08286
Date: [25 April 1895][1]
Author: Beatrix Whistler[2]
Place: Paris
Recipient: David Croal Thomson[3]
Place: London
Repository: Library of Congress
Call Number: Manuscript Division, Pennell-Whistler Collection, PWC
Document Type: ALS[4]
110 Rue du Bac
Dear Mr Thomson:
We are so very sorry about your accident! It was really lucky it was not more serious - we hope that in a little time you will feel alright again.
I enclose a cutting [p. 2] from the "New York Herald[5]". Mr Whistler thinks your house might contradict it.
By the way, it is not Sarah Bernhardt[6] at all!
We are glad you got it for us - will you send it over with the portrait[7] I sent to you -
Do you know who bought Harper Pennington's[8] portrait [p. 3] of Oscar Wild[9] [sic]?
Are you coming to Paris soon - you must let us know when you do.
With kind regards
Very sincerely,
Beatrix Whistler
[p. 4 date stamp:] GOUPIL & COMPANY / SUCCESSORS BOUSSOD VALADON & CO. / 27 APR. 95
[presscutting:]
THE WILDE SALE
Furniture and Effect Belonging to Oscar Wilde Disposed of by Auction.
[BY THE HERALD'S SPECIAL WIRE.]
LONDON, April 25. - - The furniture and effects of Oscar Wilde were yesterday sold by auction at 16 Tite-street.
The majority of the purchases appeared to be dealers, but several oil and water-colour paintings were bought by private individuals. At one time during the afternoon considerable excitement prevailed owing to a dispute between a dealer and some persons who he declared were friends of Wilde. The police had to be called.
Prices ruled low, the pen-and-ink sketch by Mr. J. M. Whistler only realised 22s. The writing desk of Thomas Carlyle[10] was sold for 14 1/2 guineas.
At the Central Criminal Court yesterday Mr. C. Mathews[11] applied on behalf of Oscar Wilde for a postponement of the trial of his case.
The application was refused, and Friday next was fixed for the hearing of the case.
This document is protected by copyright.
Envelope:
D C Thomson EsqThe Goupil Gallery
Regent St
London
Angleterre
[stamp:] POSTE / REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE / 25
[postmark:] PARIS / 195 BD ST GERMAIN / 8E | 25 / AVRIL / 95
Notes:
1. [25 April 1895]
Dated by postmark.
2. Beatrix Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].
3. David Croal Thomson
David Croal Thomson (1855-1930), art dealer [more].
4. ALS
'14A' written in another hand in red ink at top left, '133' in pencil at bottom right of p. 1; and also on the envelope and press cutting.
5. New York Herald
The Paris edition of the New York Herald.
6. Sarah Bernhardt
r.: Maud Franklin; v.: Study of Maud Franklin (M.693) was described incorrectly during the Wilde bankruptcy sale as a portrait of Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), née Henrietta Rosine Bernard, actress [more]. It shows Mary Maud Franklin (1857- ca 1941), JW's model and mistress [more]. It was bought for JW by D. C. Thomson for £15-15 at the Wilde sale, Bullock, London, 24 April 1895 (lot 123), see #05817.
7. portrait
Not identified.
8. Harper Pennington's
Robert Goodloe Harper Pennington (1854-1920), artist [more]. This oil-painting, [z0339], was bought at the auction by [Ross-R]. It is now in UCLA, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, CA.
9. Oscar Wild
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wilde (1854-1900), writer, critic and playwright [more].
10. Thomas Carlyle
Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), historian and philosopher [more].
11. C. Mathews
Charles Matthews, Oscar Wilde's solicitor in his libel suit.