Documents associated with: Loan Exhibition, Scottish National Portraits, Board of Manufactures, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, 1884
Record 8 of 8
System Number: 01815
Date: 14 October 1884
Author: Algernon Graves[1]
Place: London
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler G181
Document Type: ALS
[coat of arms with crown and shield]
HENRY GRAVES & CO.
PRINTSELLERS & PUBLISHERS
6 PALL MALL,
LONDON, S. W.
Octr 14th 1884
Dear Mr Whistler
In reply to your letter[2], we have telegraphed to Scotland to stop any sale of the picture[3] that might be in progress -
You may be quite sure that it is not my fathers[4] wish to press you unduly as regards the payment for the Carlyle[5] and I [p. 2] think you will acknowledge that he has not done so hitherto -
As regards your letter by all means leave out our name as we should not like to be mixed up with any letter concerning the gentleman[6] you mention but I must add that the picture was not ever offered to him here with the object [p. 3] of selling it to him [-] he only saw it as he passed through and passed his criticism on it in his private capacity
I am writing to Edinburgh today when I will explain the situation.
I remain
Yours faithfully
Algernon Graves
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Algernon Graves
Algernon Graves (1845-1922), of H. Graves and Co., print dealers [more]. This is a reply to JW's letter of 13 October 1884 (#10919).
2. sale of the picture
Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Portrait of Thomas Carlyle (YMSM 137), had been on exhibition in Loan Exhibition, Scottish National Portraits, Board of Manufactures, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, 1884.
3. your letter
JW's draft and copy of a letter dated 13 October 1884 (#01814, #10919).
4. my fathers
Henry Graves (1806-1892), print dealer and founder of H. Graves and Co. [more].
5. payment for the Carlyle
On 30 September 1878, Graves and Co. lent JW £120 on the security of the Carlyle portrait. By 9 February 1881 JW owed them £300 of which he then repaid £50 as a down payment on the repurchase of the painting. JW would sell the painting to Glasgow Corporation in April 1891 for 1000 guineas.
6. the gentleman
Sir George Scharf (1820-1895), archaeological painter and Director of the National Portrait Gallery [more].