Letter from Frances Hodgkins to Arthur Howell
Date
23 Feb 1930
See transcription
Catalogue number
FHL114
Date
23 Feb 1930
Transcript
chez Mdme Villa St Jeannet AM France Sunday Feb: 23rd [1930]
Dear Mr Howell
Your letter of the 14th Feb: with enclosed cheque and contract has reached me safely.
Thank you very much indeed for the cheque – the arrival of which has greatly stiffened my self esteem (and the esteem of the landlord on the quest after rent) it has indeed pleased me – as you say.
Now as to the agreement between us. I have read it carefully & slept over it and I see no reason why I should not sign it & return it to you with the assurance that willingly, I will send you the required Water Colours for selection in accordance with the terms you have outlined. I can’t do more than give you my promise that you will receive the best work I am capable of – as they are painted – and that I will keep faith with you and do my best to make a success of the bargain.
To this I can add nothing. I am sure that you will consider it sufficient. I am extremely grateful to you for what you are doing for me and do not under value the time money & hard work that the launching entails. I think you can count on “the goods”.
A certain peace of mind has descended upon me which with the improving weather should produce something rather nice – before long.
Meanwhile, with this letter, I am sending you some fresh work. I should like to hear how it strikes you. One of the French artists here wishes to buy one of them.
Following on the “starring” of my 3 Water Colours at the Modern Water Colour Show I hope you have had some bona fide sales – such wide spread starring should result in some selling.
Of course I shall work hard – I always do. My work has a way of asking too much from me. I think I have answered all the points in your letter. So with a final assurance of my loyalty and co-operation in the joint speculative adventure. Kindest regards Believe me Yours very sincerely Frances Hodgkins
I am writing to Mrs Hemmans by this post if possible. Please remember it takes from 4-6 days for a letter to reach me.
P.S. As you suggest I will let you have first look at my Paintings on my return. I shall do small scale canvases.
Dear Mr Howell
Your letter of the 14th Feb: with enclosed cheque and contract has reached me safely.
Thank you very much indeed for the cheque – the arrival of which has greatly stiffened my self esteem (and the esteem of the landlord on the quest after rent) it has indeed pleased me – as you say.
Now as to the agreement between us. I have read it carefully & slept over it and I see no reason why I should not sign it & return it to you with the assurance that willingly, I will send you the required Water Colours for selection in accordance with the terms you have outlined. I can’t do more than give you my promise that you will receive the best work I am capable of – as they are painted – and that I will keep faith with you and do my best to make a success of the bargain.
To this I can add nothing. I am sure that you will consider it sufficient. I am extremely grateful to you for what you are doing for me and do not under value the time money & hard work that the launching entails. I think you can count on “the goods”.
A certain peace of mind has descended upon me which with the improving weather should produce something rather nice – before long.
Meanwhile, with this letter, I am sending you some fresh work. I should like to hear how it strikes you. One of the French artists here wishes to buy one of them.
Following on the “starring” of my 3 Water Colours at the Modern Water Colour Show I hope you have had some bona fide sales – such wide spread starring should result in some selling.
Of course I shall work hard – I always do. My work has a way of asking too much from me. I think I have answered all the points in your letter. So with a final assurance of my loyalty and co-operation in the joint speculative adventure. Kindest regards Believe me Yours very sincerely Frances Hodgkins
I am writing to Mrs Hemmans by this post if possible. Please remember it takes from 4-6 days for a letter to reach me.
P.S. As you suggest I will let you have first look at my Paintings on my return. I shall do small scale canvases.
Sender's address
chez Madame Villa, St Jeannet, France
Credit Line
E
H
McCormick
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