System Number: 09829
Date: 12 August 1892
Author: Beatrix Whistler[1]
Place: Paris
Recipient: Edward Guthrie Kennedy[2]
Place: [New York]
Repository: New York Public Library
Call Number: E. G. Kennedy III/166
Credit Line: Edward Guthrie Kennedy Papers / Manuscripts and Archives Division / The New York Public Library / Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations
Document Type: ALS
'1892[3].
J. McN. Whistler
Paris Aug. 12th
33. Rue de Tournon -
Paris'
Dear Mr Kennedy.
The pictures are gone - So you see - they are beyond the reach of the passing American, however much we might wish to show them -
They have been entrusted to the Durand Ruels[4], who have most carefully packed them - and insured them [p. 2] for £650., and Jimmy has been to the Consul and got the Certificate[5] -
Why didnt you have new frames for them all -
The Battersea[6] is in a shocking old thing - and as in the opinion of the French artistes who have seen it - it is one of the best - it deserves one. -
Jimmy says - of course you will put [p. 3] them at once under glass -
About the exhibition[7], One might be managed for next autumn or winter - 1893 - but it would be dangerous to promise any thing sooner -
We have not been able to get away yet. We are still tied to the architect and the workmen in the Rue de [sic] Bac -
It is getting on, and when you come back you will not recognise it - it will be lovely!
[p. 4] Mr Carter[8] has been here, and Mr Mansfield[9] is coming - Mr Carter is coming back again[,] he is very anxious to have an etching done - of himself - I think it is because he saw yours[10] -
Yours is bitten in - and it looks extremely well on the plate - but it has not been printed yet - but as the press is up and the studio finished you may expect the first proof very soon -
With our Kindest regards
Believe me
Very sincerely,
Beatrix Whistler
August 12 - 1892.
PS.[11] Jimmy says I mustn't be too enthusiastic about your portrait, because he is not by any means contented with it!!
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Beatrix Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].
2. Edward Guthrie Kennedy
Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), dealer with H. Wunderlich and Co., New York [more].
3. 1892
These notes were added in another hand.
4. 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).
5. Certificate
A certificate was required to ensure duty-free entry into the USA.
6. Battersea
Battersea Reach (YMSM 45).
7. exhibition
The idea of having a show at Wunderlich's in New York was abandoned.
8. Mr Carter
L. Carter, collector [more].
9. Mr Mansfield
Howard Mansfield (1849-1938), New York lawyer, print collector [more].
10. yours
JW had made a portrait etching of Kennedy, but was not satisfied, and destroyed it.
11. PS.
Written in left margin.