UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

The Corresponence of James McNeil Whistler

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Documents associated with: 63rd Annual Exhibition, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, 1893-1894
Record 1 of 7

System Number: 05157
Date: 28 November 1893
Author: Alexander Reid[1]
Place: Glasgow
Recipient: JW
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler R56
Document Type: ALS


LA SOCIÉTÉ DES BEAUX-ARTS.

GLASGOW: 227 WEST GEORGE STREET.
PARIS: 6 PLACE D'ANVERS.

28th Nov. 1893.

Dear Mr Whistler.

I received the lithos all right & consider them very beautiful but - here I am going to displease you (& also myself.) I cannot afford just now to buy them or indeed any thing just at present. I shall keep them for a day or two in the hopes of selling them & if I do not shall send them back.

There is quite a panic here just now[.] Every one realising. No one buying. & No one paying for what he has already bought. Boussod Malanden[2] [sic] & Cie have had a show here for the last month but I think will return to the wilds of Regent St not much [p. 2] richer. They had several things of yours. A large Nocturne[3]. & some smaller things & the White girl[4] with reflection in the mirror.

This last I wouldn't mind possessing if it could be got at a price.

The 3 pictures[5] are now in Philadelphia & after all their promises surely one of the pictures will be sold.

"Quoi de[6] neuf rue Notre dame des Champs" Have you unearthed any treasures? such as Blue girls[7], &c

I am afraid I shall not be in Paris again this year but if you have anything "important" to show me you might let me know.

With kindest regards to Mrs Whistler[8], & yourself,
Yours faithfully

Alex Reid


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Notes:

1.  Alexander Reid
Alexander Reid (1854-1936), Glasgow dealer [more].

2.  Boussod Malanden
Goupil's (Boussod, Valadon & Cie), dealers, had branches in London and Paris. See D. C. Thomson to JW, 21 November 1893, #05792.

3.  Nocturne
Not identified.

4.  White girl
Symphony in White, No. 2: The Little White Girl (YMSM 52).

5.  3 pictures
Arrangement in Black and Brown: The Fur Jacket (YMSM 181), Arrangement in Black: La Dame au brodequin jaune - Portrait of Lady Archibald Campbell (YMSM 242) and La Princesse du pays de la porcelaine (YMSM 50) at 63rd Annual Exhibition, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, 1893-1894.

6.  Quoi de ... Champs
Fr., What news regarding Rue Notre Dame des Champs? (referring to JW's studio in Paris).

7.  Blue girls
See The Blue Girl: Portrait of Miss Elinor Leyland (YMSM 111) and The Blue Girl: Maud Franklin (YMSM 112).

8.  Mrs Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].