Letter from Frances Hodgkins to Jane Saunders
Date
19 Dec 1943
See transcription
Catalogue number
FHL404
Date
19 Dec 1943
Transcript
Studio Corfe Castle Dorset Dec 19th 43
Dearest Jane
A short line to say that tomorrow (20th) I am posting you a roll containing 3 Gouache paintings & 1 black & white Drawing for you to look at over the Christmas recess. Have a good look at them at your leisure, if any, in daylight (not any) if your weather is as beastly as it is here. Cold as charity & coloured black. This is the best I can do for you at the moment. Keep them until I can send you 1 or 2 more from which to make a final choice.
You see my cupboard is pretty bare & the waiting list at my Dealers fairly long & my health fairly feeble. I am sorry it is just not possible to produce at this psychological stage when, for your soul’s sake you need & want just that something I would love to give you both.
At the same time you may find that touch of “magic” you are in search of among the 3 Gouaches particularly the “Mill House” which is a gallery piece & complete as far as it goes as a painting.
If you like it well enough I should be very happy indeed to let Elizabeth have it for you. It will be priceless – so don’t let us discuss that side of it. Accept it, both of you, as it is meant to be with my warmest affection & admiration.
Let it be a milestone – 1944 – Victory.
Life is unthinkably emotional & terrible & I know only too too well how you are feeling. I, myself, feel rather the same.
Corfe is staid & grey & cold. All youth gone from it. Neighbouring villages being evacuated. Old folk of over 90 wrenched from their homes – it is heartbreaking. We are ringed round by guns. Any moment we may have to go & go quick.
In my last letter to you do you recall my asking you to give me John Dronsfield’s address – like a silly idiot I mis-spelt his name. Get it for me if possible will you? I also begged you to spare yourself & not write more than you need.
I easily get tired these days. I lose my way among the masses of trivialities & my pictures glow very dim & feebly ahead of me. There is no need dear Jane to answer this letter till you both have made up yr joint minds. No hurry.
Please explain to E. how much I would like it to be a gift present in which she is to share. Enjoy it together – while you may. How long is this teaching bondage of yours to last? Surely not much longer.
No more. I can’t exactly say when I shall send the other 2 pictures but as soon as I can.
Love from Frances and best wishes for a peaceful & tranquil Christmas. No use asking for crackers Jane because there aren’t any! Pictures go Reg. Post & should reach you for Christmas. P.S. Keep my roller safe.
Dearest Jane
A short line to say that tomorrow (20th) I am posting you a roll containing 3 Gouache paintings & 1 black & white Drawing for you to look at over the Christmas recess. Have a good look at them at your leisure, if any, in daylight (not any) if your weather is as beastly as it is here. Cold as charity & coloured black. This is the best I can do for you at the moment. Keep them until I can send you 1 or 2 more from which to make a final choice.
You see my cupboard is pretty bare & the waiting list at my Dealers fairly long & my health fairly feeble. I am sorry it is just not possible to produce at this psychological stage when, for your soul’s sake you need & want just that something I would love to give you both.
At the same time you may find that touch of “magic” you are in search of among the 3 Gouaches particularly the “Mill House” which is a gallery piece & complete as far as it goes as a painting.
If you like it well enough I should be very happy indeed to let Elizabeth have it for you. It will be priceless – so don’t let us discuss that side of it. Accept it, both of you, as it is meant to be with my warmest affection & admiration.
Let it be a milestone – 1944 – Victory.
Life is unthinkably emotional & terrible & I know only too too well how you are feeling. I, myself, feel rather the same.
Corfe is staid & grey & cold. All youth gone from it. Neighbouring villages being evacuated. Old folk of over 90 wrenched from their homes – it is heartbreaking. We are ringed round by guns. Any moment we may have to go & go quick.
In my last letter to you do you recall my asking you to give me John Dronsfield’s address – like a silly idiot I mis-spelt his name. Get it for me if possible will you? I also begged you to spare yourself & not write more than you need.
I easily get tired these days. I lose my way among the masses of trivialities & my pictures glow very dim & feebly ahead of me. There is no need dear Jane to answer this letter till you both have made up yr joint minds. No hurry.
Please explain to E. how much I would like it to be a gift present in which she is to share. Enjoy it together – while you may. How long is this teaching bondage of yours to last? Surely not much longer.
No more. I can’t exactly say when I shall send the other 2 pictures but as soon as I can.
Love from Frances and best wishes for a peaceful & tranquil Christmas. No use asking for crackers Jane because there aren’t any! Pictures go Reg. Post & should reach you for Christmas. P.S. Keep my roller safe.
Sender's address
Studio, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Credit Line
E
H
McCormick
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