Documents associated with: 21st Autumn Exhibition of Pictures, Corporation of Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, 1891
Record 17 of 21
System Number: 05595
Date: [20/30 October 1891][1]
Author: Robert Alan Mowbray Stevenson[2]
Place: Liverpool
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler R241
Document Type: ALS
2 York Avenue
Ullet Road
Liverpool
My dear Whistler,
Because it appears that I cannot rouse Liverpool to buy this tableau[3], it does not follow that something else or may not be worked another time.
Rathbone[4] is of course favourable but denies that he can at present induce the Town Council to invest £1700.
[p. 2] I have trotted magnates round and expatiated, drawing parallels, and pointing to the future when all galleries will want their Whistler and may fish for it - - or at least only get it with heavy bait. - In vain just yet, but many of [the] general public, and irresponsible art students[,] amateurs [p. 3] and the like, much struck. These, like Judas holding the bag[5], timorous for the nonce; but they will follow.
I would consider Liverpool a sluggish stream, much fished, in which you leave, however, a night-line; which on being inspected later may be found to have hooked on to something.
[p. 4] My compliments to Mrs. Whistler[6]
and believe me yours very sincerely
R A M. Stevenson
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [20/30 October 1891]
This letter appears to date from towards the end of 21st Autumn Exhibition of Pictures, Corporation of Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, 1891.
2. Robert Alan Mowbray Stevenson
Robert Alan Mowbray Stevenson (1847-1900), painter and critic [more]. See his earlier letter, #05594.
3. tableau
Fr., painting, in this case, Arrangement in Black and Brown: The Fur Jacket (YMSM 181). It was exhibited in 21st Autumn Exhibition of Pictures, Corporation of Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, 1891.
4. Rathbone
Philip Henry Rathbone (1828-1895), collector [more].
5. Judas holding the bag
Judas Iscariot, disciple and betrayer of Jesus Christ. John 13.29 records that Judas held the disciples' money bag.
6. Mrs. Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].