Letter from Frances Hodgkins to Jane Saunders
Date
21 Nov 1943
See transcription
Catalogue number
FHL402
Date
21 Nov 1943
Transcript
Studio Corfe Castle Nov 21st 43
My Dearest Jane
Thanks so much for your very nice letter. I was so glad to get it. It does seem a long time since you & I exchanged confidences – I think you are both a grand pair of sports. Speculating & investing in “Hodgkins” stock when your country is in acute crisis. I think psychologically you are right. It is the moment when one needs just such a diversion & refreshment.
I have waited a week before writing in order that I could look thro’ my portfolio to find something that would give full satisfaction at such a crisis. Nothing there quite your cup of tea but I have some notes for future masterpieces brought back from my 3 weeks at Cerne Abbas (not far from here). If you can be patient I will send you a few to choose from. When? I can’t say but soon before Christmas.
Life is chaotic, I work spasmodically. It seems as tho’ I passed from one predicament to another. I could fill pages of “incidents” – the most severe was when my Studio roof weighing tons crashed in – without injury to me but some shock. It has been months getting repaired but at long last the roof is now back where it was.
But what of all this?
Please tell Elizabeth how very sorry I feel for her great loss so tragically painful & sudden. It is good to hear that she has come through her own illness & is now back at work, stabilised & strengthened in spite of the lost holiday which was grievous for you both. I can’t write more dear Jane, I begin to feel my years. I am a big age & getting bigger.
Re Penguin. I have no further news of it, nor have I yet seen the illustrations. I’ll keep an eye on your portrait & report. It should have been shown in London. In order to add to its prestige.
Do you remember Jack Dismore? Can you give me or obtain his address. He once borrowed an important oil portrait group some years ago in London, never returned it – partly my own slackness.
I owe deep apologies to the Manchester Academy for failing to contribute but my Dealers find transport very awkward in war time.
Convey my regret to Miss Pilkington if you have the opportunity. Please.
Perhaps F S S could help you.
Much love dear Jane. Here’s hope & courage. No need to answer Frances
My Dearest Jane
Thanks so much for your very nice letter. I was so glad to get it. It does seem a long time since you & I exchanged confidences – I think you are both a grand pair of sports. Speculating & investing in “Hodgkins” stock when your country is in acute crisis. I think psychologically you are right. It is the moment when one needs just such a diversion & refreshment.
I have waited a week before writing in order that I could look thro’ my portfolio to find something that would give full satisfaction at such a crisis. Nothing there quite your cup of tea but I have some notes for future masterpieces brought back from my 3 weeks at Cerne Abbas (not far from here). If you can be patient I will send you a few to choose from. When? I can’t say but soon before Christmas.
Life is chaotic, I work spasmodically. It seems as tho’ I passed from one predicament to another. I could fill pages of “incidents” – the most severe was when my Studio roof weighing tons crashed in – without injury to me but some shock. It has been months getting repaired but at long last the roof is now back where it was.
But what of all this?
Please tell Elizabeth how very sorry I feel for her great loss so tragically painful & sudden. It is good to hear that she has come through her own illness & is now back at work, stabilised & strengthened in spite of the lost holiday which was grievous for you both. I can’t write more dear Jane, I begin to feel my years. I am a big age & getting bigger.
Re Penguin. I have no further news of it, nor have I yet seen the illustrations. I’ll keep an eye on your portrait & report. It should have been shown in London. In order to add to its prestige.
Do you remember Jack Dismore? Can you give me or obtain his address. He once borrowed an important oil portrait group some years ago in London, never returned it – partly my own slackness.
I owe deep apologies to the Manchester Academy for failing to contribute but my Dealers find transport very awkward in war time.
Convey my regret to Miss Pilkington if you have the opportunity. Please.
Perhaps F S S could help you.
Much love dear Jane. Here’s hope & courage. No need to answer Frances
Sender's address
Studio, Corfe Castle
Credit Line
E
H
McCormick
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