Documents associated with: etching exhibition
Record 23 of 41
System Number: 04001
Date: 21 March 1893
Author: Howard Mansfield[1]
Place: New York
Recipient: Beatrix Whistler[2]
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler M272
Document Type: ALS
21 W. 36th Street,
March 21, 1893,
My dear Mrs. Whistler;
It was very pleasant to learn from your own pen that you have fairly well survived the transition into new quarters. I can imagine how delightful they will be as the spring comes on. The garden especially will renew its finest days under your zealous management. And we shall expect some reminiscence of it in water color or etching from Mr. Whistler's hand.
Since your letter came I have found out what I could regarding the matter on which you [p. 2] specially wrote. I have seen Mr. Allen[3], who has not for some years been associated with Mr. Stokes[4]. Mr. Allen says he knows nothing of the matter. I have also seen Mr. Fowler[5], whom I know, and who is now associated with Mr. Stokes and was when the Ford[6] book was printed. He says he knows all about that episode, but says no money was paid by Mr. Stokes or his firm to Ford for Mr. Whistler or anybody. Mr. Stokes was not in his office when I [p. 3] called then or when I called later. But on my last call Mr. Fowler said he had meantime spoken to Mr. Stokes on the subject, and Mr. Stokes had confirmed what he had said to me.
So I suggest that Mr. Whistler write directly to whoever told him the money had been paid. Perhaps by recalling the circumstances under which the statement was made to Mr. Whistler, the facts may be brought more freshly and exactly to mind. There may be some confusions of persons. You speak of Mr. Fred [p. 4] Allen; I think it is Mr. Frank Allen. And I know that it is Mr. Fred Stokes.
Mr. Kennedy[7] and I have been waiting for word from Mr. Whistler in reply to my letter of January 10th[8] - regarding the exhibition of his etchings at Chicago. As the time for final decision has approached we have, with Mr. Carter's[9] aid, revised the list, bringing it very nearly to sixty - the number for which Mr. Ives[10] assigned space in February. Enclosed is a copy of the list.
I fear we shall have to take the chances of space for the Paris etchings if they come; especially as the catalogue will have to be printed - or at least prepared - before long. And the prints have to go in place in April.
Wishing to be remembered to Mr. Whistler,
I am Yours sincerely
Howard Mansfield.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Howard Mansfield
Howard Mansfield (1849-1938), New York lawyer, print collector [more].
2. Beatrix Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].
3. Mr. Allen
Frederick Hovey Allen (1845-1926), congressional minister and writer on art [more].
4. Mr. Stokes
Frederick Abbott Stokes (1857-1939), publisher and bookseller [more].
5. Mr. Fowler
Fowler, an associate of F. A. Stokes, publisher.
6. Ford
Sheridan Ford (1860-1922), poet, critic, politician and writer on art [more]. The book referred to is Whistler, James McNeill, The Gentle Art of Making Enemies, ed. Sheridan Ford, Paris, 1890.
7. Mr. Kennedy
Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), dealer with H. Wunderlich and Co., New York [more].
8. January 10th
Mansfield suggested a list of etchings for World's Columbian Exposition, Department of Fine Arts, Chicago, 1893 (see #04000).
9. Mr. Carter's
Walter Steuben Carter (1824-1904), lawyer [more].