Letter from Frances Hodgkins to Dorothy Selby

Date
circa Mar 1935
See transcription

Catalogue number
FHL218
Date
circa Mar 1935
Transcript
Highlands – Corfe Castle Dorset Wed
Dearest Dorothy
Just a quick line of thanks for your very welcome letter full of comfort for my soul & nice things I like to hear.
I have the jolly p.c in front of me. I am glad you enjoyed yr holiday – with & without sun – and feel all the better for it.
I shall be seeing you very soon I hope. I am still here with rather a load of unfinished work hanging to me. I am making a big effort to complete them & pack up. I rather hope I may get off somewhere abroad. E. B wants to join me if I go to Spain – she has about a month for Easter. But I cant fix anything until I have seen the Firm. I trust they will be in a good Christian mood.
I am spending this week end with Amy. I am very fed up with living alone in rooms not very attractive ones either.
Corfe has no attractions for me – excepting kind Amy – she stands out in her goodness.
Did you hear that she & her friend May Wilson dashed up to London to see my Show.
I have not been up myself – not since the P.V nor have I heard any particulars about sales etc. I gathered they kept the Show open as long as possible.
The great Sickert’s letter pinned on the wall of the Gallery helped cheer things up.
Did you see it when you went the second time? I had any amount of praise & a wonderful Press but this will not help to make things easier for me if the sales were poor. I wonder how many really sold.
I now need a long long rest from painting. I am near breaking point.
It has been very cold & dreary here. One or two perfect Spring Days – like today.
I can’t think why people like coming to Corfe. It is a proper little hole.
Elsie’s 2 friends “Norman & David” – I at last know their names – were here last week end. Took Amy & self to a Film at Swanage – cheery friendly pair. I had no real talk with them. It was rather a scramble – how d’you do & goodbye.
I liked your fine Doctor friend & his daughter – his warm friendship for the “Selby Famille” pleased me.
Absolutely no news. My brain congeals into lumps in this social atmosphere. I’ll let you know when I get back – honest Injun & will have a talk & do a good Film.
I can’t stay long in London – too expensive – but we’ll meet.
Much love
Frances
Sender's address
Highlands - Corfe Castle, Dorset
Recipient
Credit Line
E H McCormick Archive of Frances Hodgkins' Letters, E H McCormick Research Library, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

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