Documents associated with: health (JW)
Record 165 of 172
System Number: 01379
Date: 8 November 1902
Author: Ernest George Brown[1]
Place: London
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler F311
Document Type: ALS
BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT
[Royal coat of arms]
TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING.
TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS, FINART, LONDON.
TELEPHONE, 3767, GERRARD.
THE FINE ART SOCIETY, LTD.
148, NEW BOND STREET,
W.
Novr 8th 1902
Dear Mr Whistler,
You very kindly said you would write me a line mentioning Mr Frank Babbotts[2] visit to your Studio. Would you just write a sentence like this. - "I was pleased to see you at my Studio and to show you my pictures" or something of that kind[.] It would please him and he would value it very much.
His friend Mr John W. Simpson[3] would like to have his wife painted[4] by you in the [p. 2] Spring
I hope you are feeling stronger now.
Any hope of getting the etchings printed[5]. Could we not send a printed [sic] to your Studio to prepare everything under your eye and save you trouble?
Yours sincerely
Ernest G. Brown.
[p. 3]
[pencil sketches][6]
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Ernest George Brown
Ernest George Brown (1853 or 1854-1915), assistant manager at the Fine Art Society [more].
2. Frank Babbotts
Frank Lusk Babbott (1854-1933), collector [more]. Babbott wrote a flattering note to JW after his studio visit (F. Babbott to JW, 13 September 1902, #00227) and was clearly keen for a reply. JW's letter (if he wrote one) is untraced.
3. John W. Simpson
John W. Simpson (1850-1920), lawyer and collector [more]. The portrait was not painted.
4. wife painted
The commission came to nothing as JW's health greatly declined over the next few months. Simpson later bought Rose and Red: The Barber's Shop, Lyme Regis (YMSM 444).
5. etchings printed
JW still owed proofs to the Fine Art Society from Mr Whistler's Etchings of Venice, 1880 (the first 'Venice Set') (K. 183-189, 191-195). (excat 5). However, he never completed the printing of the set (see MacDonald, Margaret F., Palaces in the Night Whistler in Venice, Aldershot, 2001, pp. 130-31).
6. [pencil sketches]
Seven very rough sketches of frames showing the arrangement of a group of pictures; A panel of picture frames on a wall (M.1710).