Documents associated with: 1st World of Art Exhibition, St Petersburg, 1899
Record 3 of 5
System Number: 05199
Date: [1/8 January 1899][1]
Author: Walford Graham Robertson[2]
Place: Godalming
Recipient: JW
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler R99
Document Type: ALS
'Graham Robertson[3]'
'1899'
SANDHILLS,
WITLEY,
GODALMING.
Dear Mr Whistler -
I have just received a letter from Princess[4] [Cunduff?] requesting the loan of your two pictures[5] for an Exhibition[6] in St Petersburg. You know of old that the extraction of my - or rather your - pictures from me is a serious operation and not to be lightly undertaken so you will be prepared to hear that I have found myself unable to part with [p. 2] them in this case.
You see - Miss Corder[7] was away all last summer at the International[8] and she is so pleased to get home & rest & we are all so comfortable together. I am in hopes that this Exhibition is not a thing which you have very much at heart - I don't think I have failed you yet on any of these particular occasions - and that you will not mind the pictures staying quietly at home for the present.
[p. 3] I have never congratulated you on the International show. It was most interesting and very refreshing in this barren & dry land.
I wish when you are next in London you would let me know - and let me come & see you. I have never been in Paris once since you settled there.
I live almost entirely down here now where I have a little cottage & a big barn like studio and am left severely alone.
Every good wish for this New Year
always
Sincerely yours
Graham Robertson
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [1/8 January 1899]
Dated by reference to the 'New Year' and exhibition (see below).
2. Walford Graham Robertson
Walford Graham Robertson (1867-1948), painter, designer and collector [more].
3. Graham Robertson...1899.
Written in pencil in the hand of Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958), JW's sister-in-law [more].
4. Princess
Not identified. The curator of the exhibition was Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (1872-1929), choreographer and ballet impresario [more].
5. two pictures
Arrangement in Brown and Black: Portrait of Miss Rosa Corder (YMSM 203) and Crepuscule in Flesh Colour and Green: Valparaiso (YMSM 73).
6. Exhibition
1st World of Art Exhibition, St Petersburg, 1899.
7. Miss Corder
Arrangement in Brown and Black: Portrait of Miss Rosa Corder (YMSM 203).
8. International
Exhibition of International Art, International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers, London, 1898, which opened in May.