Documents associated with: International Exhibition, South Kensington Museum, London, 1872
Record 4 of 9
System Number: 09021
Date: [14? April 1872][1]
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: Alan Summerly Cole[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Library of Congress
Call Number: Manuscripts Division, Pennell-Whistler Collection, PWC 1/2/2
Document Type: ALS[3]
2 Lindsey Houses -
Chelsea
Sunday night.
My dear Allan -
The White Girl [4] cannot leave the Studio tomorrow - dont send - I am very sorry to give you all this bother -
But the picture is now all right - and you can insert it in the Catalogue[5] without fear and really have it on Wednesday morning - this I can promise - Will this do?
If I could possibly have forseen the delay that has been [p. 2] brought about by repairing this picture, I should certainly never have made a proposal that has I fear caused you all so very much trouble -
I called to tell you all this tonight but unfortunately you were not at home -
Ever yours
J A McN. Whistler -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [14? April 1872]
A note in A. S. Cole's diary for Monday 15 April 1872 records that JW called on the evening of 15 April 1872 'about his picture for the Exhibition (The White Girl)' (see #13132).
2. Alan Summerly Cole
Alan Summerly Cole (1846-1934), textile expert and museum official [more].
3. ALS
Partly published in sale cat., G. J. C. Grasberger, Philadelphia, c. 1926, p. 10, lot 18, priced at $55.00, described as 12vo.
4. White Girl
Symphony in White, No. I: The White Girl (YMSM 38) was then owned, in theory, by Julia de Kay Whistler (1825-1875), née Winans, JW's sister-in-law [more]. However, JW was repairing it for inclusion in the International Exhibition, South Kensington Museum, London, 1872. The area around the face had been damaged and, when completed, it had a more ethereal and dreamy appearance. He did not complete it, however, and was forced to show Symphony in White, No. 2: The Little White Girl (YMSM 52) instead (see #09011).
5. catalogue
The catalogue of the International Exhibition, South Kensington Museum, London, 1872.