Documents associated with: 64th Annual Exhibition, Royal Society of British Artists, London, 1887
Record 6 of 31
System Number: 01044
Date: 24 March 1887
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: Albert Edward, Prince of Wales[1]
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler E32
Document Type: ALcS[2]
[circular crest[3] with lion:] SBA
INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF BRITISH ARTISTS.
SUFFOLK STREET, PALL MALL EAST, S. W.
March 24. 1887
Sir -
Your Royal Highness has, before now, shown such gracious kindness when upon more than one occasion I have ventured to make a request, that I am encouraged to ask you again a great favour -
The Society of British Artists - one of the oldest and most important in the Kingdom - have conferred upon me the highest distinction that lay within their power, by electing me their President - and upon the opening of their coming Exhibition, if you Sir [p. 2] would in a manner countenance their choice by coming yourself to their Galleries, and perchance inducing Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales[4] to accompany you, I should indeed be grateful, and the honour would be complete -
Such a mark of Royal approval, while inaugurating so auspiciously the official career of their President, would be deeply felt by the Society - which I may add is an Incorporated Body holding a Charter granted to them by Her Majesty the Queen[5] herself -
The Galleries will be opened on Saturday the 2nd of Arpril [sic] - May I hope Sir that Your Royal Highness will entertain my request and appoint any day after that date for your visit to the Exhibition -
I have Sir, the honor to be
Your Royal Highness'
Most humble and obedient Servant
J. McNeill: Whistler -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales
Albert Edward Saxe-Coburg (1841-1910), H.R.H. The Prince of Wales [more].
2. ALcS
This is probably a copy of the original version of the letter, rather than a draft.
3. crest
The crest is printed in red ink.
4. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales
Alexandra Saxe-Coburg (1844-1925), H.R.H. The Princess of Wales [more]. They both visited 64th Annual Exhibition, Royal Society of British Artists, London, 1887 (see W. D. Probyn to JW, 29 March 1887, #05052).
5. Her Majesty the Queen
Victoria (1819-1901), Queen of Great Britain [more].