Documents associated with: 2nd Exhibition, Pictures, Drawings, Prints and Sculptures, International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers, London, 1899
Record 4 of 54
System Number: 09955
Date: 21 March 1899
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: John Lavery[1]
Place: London
Repository: Tate Gallery Archives
Call Number: Lavery Collection, TGA 7245/267
Document Type: ALS[2]
110. Rue du Bac -
March. 21. 1899 -
To
The Vice President
of the International Society of
Sculptors, Painters & Gravers -
Gentlemen -
I can only suppose that it is by your directions, and from consideration for my exceeding preoccupation, that, for some time past, all tiresome business details of the Society have been carefully kept from me -
Minutes of the Meetings are never [p. 2] thrust upon me - and, apart from an odd item of pleasing news - such as the election of one or two recent members - I have been spared all weariness of discussion, or possible disagreement -
While thanking you for such thoughtfulness, I would now ask that the Secretary be requested to send me full copies of the Minutes of these late Meetings - that at my leisure, I may learn who have been present, and what matters of interest were specially discussed - [p. 3] and, in short, that I may pick up again some slight idea of the situation - and put myself au courant with the lighter affairs of the Society of which I have the honour to be President. -
I hear that all the invitations[3] have gone out - and room is scarce, already! -
This is prompt - and leaves me with possible surprises in lieu of responsability at the opening of the Exhibition - which is always pleasing -
And I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant
J. McNeill Whistler
P S. I would advise, if I may, sending an invitation to exhibit, to
Waldo Story[4]
Palazzo Barberini
Rome -
This document is protected by copyright.
Envelope:
To / John Lavery. Esq.Vice President
"International Society of Sculptors, Painters & Gravers"
Princes Club -
Knightsbridge.
London.
[stamp:] POSTE / 25 / REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE
[postmark:] PARIS-80 / R. DU BAC / 1E [21?] / MARS / 99
[postmark on verso:] [LONDON W?] / MR 22 / 99 / 41
[on verso:] 'delivered at Princes Tennis Club[5]'
'5 Cromwell Place
S. W.'
Notes:
1. John Lavery
John Lavery (1856-1941), painter [more].
2. ALS
The letter has a deep mourning border.
3. invitations
The Private View for 2nd Exhibition, Pictures, Drawings, Prints and Sculptures, International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers, London, 1899, took place on 9 May 1899.
4. Waldo Story
Thomas Waldo Story (1854-1915), sculptor [more].
5. Princes Tennis Club
This was the wrong address; the society held their exhibition at Prince's Skating Club.. The note is written in another hand, as is Lavery's address, below.