Documents associated with: Mr Whistler's Exhibition, Flemish Gallery, Pall Mall, London, 1874
Record 10 of 71
System Number: 13681
Date: [5 May 1874][1]
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: Ralph Thomas[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Guildhall Library, London
Call Number: H.2.2. no. 38
Document Type: ALS
'Recd 5 May 1874'
'Ralph Thomas'[3]
2 Lindsey Houses. Chelsea -
Dear Thomas -
You know how great a prisoner I am just now with my work and so I am going to abuse impose upon your good nature and ask you to help me as I think you will readily - I want a small plate ready prepared for my new etching[4] - will you get me one - and your brother Percy[5] might prepare it - or Delâtre[6] will - but I require it at once - and perhaps I had better have two - about the size of quarter of this sheet of paper - that is half this page - No that is too large - the size of the envelope - will do exactly - Now [p. 2] will all this bother you too much? - And can your brother perhaps manage it for me by tomorrow, when by the way I suppose he will bring his last proof of my portrait[7] for me to see - '[for the catalogue]'[8]
With many apologies and thanks
Sincerely Yours
J A McN. Whistler
[butterfly signature]
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [5 May 1874]
The date noted at the top of the letter is that of receipt; the letter may therefore have been written a day earlier.
2. Ralph Thomas
Ralph Thomas, Jr (b. 1840/1841), author of the first catalogue of JW's etchings, partner of J. A. Rose, JW's solicitor [more].
3. 'Ralph Thomas'
Added in pencil in another hand.
4. my new etching
JW had a great burst of enthusiasm for etching in 1873 which probably lasted through 1874, although no etchings were actually dated 1874. The size indicated would be about 5" x 3" or less. Reading a book (K.111) and Tatting (K.112) at 5" x 3" and The Muff (K.113) at 4 7/8" x 2 7/8" are all strong contenders. Why JW could not prepare the copper plate himself is a mystery.
5. Percy
Percy Thomas (1846-1922), painter and etcher [more].
6. Delâtre
Auguste Delâtre (1822-1907), printer [more].
7. proof of my portrait
Arrangement in Grey: Portrait of the Painter (YMSM 122) was etched by Thomas as a frontispiece for Thomas, Ralph, A Catalogue of the Etchings and Drypoints of James Abbott MacNeil Whistler, London, 1874.
8. '[for the catalogue]'
Added in pencil in another hand.