Letter from Frances Hodgkins to Ree Gorer
Date
15 Mar 1940
See transcription
Catalogue number
FHL296
Date
15 Mar 1940
Transcript
March 15th Studio West St Corfe Castle Dorset
My Dearest Ree
I was absolutely delighted when the pretty Una & her “John” blew in yesterday. It was a link with you. He looking not so well, she, very well & very pretty & smart with vermillion Cossack boots, watching, rivetted attention. They took me for a lovely drive - the Blue Pool & then Studland & Tea at the Inn.
They seemed very happy indeed. I was especially struck by it. His illness may have brought out the tenderness I am sure she has. I went to the door with two brushes in my hand and a frown which melted (I hope) as soon as I saw them.
You will have heard from Mr Reid that I am having a Water Colour Show opening on the 4th and that he expects me there to help him hang & standby generally. He is very fussed over the Venice affair & what best to do and how not to spend more than necessary on frames etc. He told me that your picture was being re- varnished wh will do it a lot of good. It is good of you to spare it for so long. I think it will be the peach of the Show & without any doubt win the Prize for foreigners of 25000 lire - which is roughly what? £250? I could do with it. I have been very hard working.
A frightful winter of cold & sickness. Shortage of anthracite my major misery the Studio stove just not big enough to heat the big room.
I felt thoroughly down-ed but I hope it is over now & Spring really come. I felt it had when Una glided through the door yesterday softly murmuring words I could not hear.
Are you well? I hope you have not had a house full of guests to entertain & cater for. I seem to have heard that you had. How you must be longing for a trip South to some warm spot.
I shall be bringing up something for you to see.
All my love & forgive my silence everything has just been too rotten but I survive. Lovely to see you soon - about end of month. Frances
My Dearest Ree
I was absolutely delighted when the pretty Una & her “John” blew in yesterday. It was a link with you. He looking not so well, she, very well & very pretty & smart with vermillion Cossack boots, watching, rivetted attention. They took me for a lovely drive - the Blue Pool & then Studland & Tea at the Inn.
They seemed very happy indeed. I was especially struck by it. His illness may have brought out the tenderness I am sure she has. I went to the door with two brushes in my hand and a frown which melted (I hope) as soon as I saw them.
You will have heard from Mr Reid that I am having a Water Colour Show opening on the 4th and that he expects me there to help him hang & standby generally. He is very fussed over the Venice affair & what best to do and how not to spend more than necessary on frames etc. He told me that your picture was being re- varnished wh will do it a lot of good. It is good of you to spare it for so long. I think it will be the peach of the Show & without any doubt win the Prize for foreigners of 25000 lire - which is roughly what? £250? I could do with it. I have been very hard working.
A frightful winter of cold & sickness. Shortage of anthracite my major misery the Studio stove just not big enough to heat the big room.
I felt thoroughly down-ed but I hope it is over now & Spring really come. I felt it had when Una glided through the door yesterday softly murmuring words I could not hear.
Are you well? I hope you have not had a house full of guests to entertain & cater for. I seem to have heard that you had. How you must be longing for a trip South to some warm spot.
I shall be bringing up something for you to see.
All my love & forgive my silence everything has just been too rotten but I survive. Lovely to see you soon - about end of month. Frances
Sender's address
Studio - West St - Corfe Castle - Dorset
Credit Line
E
H
McCormick
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