Letter from Frances Hodgkins to Eardley Knollys
Date
circa Jun 1944
See transcription
Catalogue number
FHL422
Date
circa Jun 1944
Transcript
Corfe Castle - Sunday
With joy I heard the brilliant Spirit of France
My Dear Eardley
A line to say your en route letter has reached me and been duly reflected upon.
Nothing could be clearer or more definite.
I passed the contents [interpolated] on to HER later in the day but she is really quite unfit to take in th extent of your generous offer and how enormously it would benefit me as well as improve the all but derelict old Building – save its life in fact.
She kept repeating I won’t turn you out Frances as long as you live – and I must consult my husband. It is his Studio tho’ I bought it etc etc.
This may seem rather damping but I shall see her again and get her reason for not wanting to sell to me or you if it is a monetary reason & if so – how much? But is is far from mercenary – quite the reverse.
Meanwhile I’ll get on with my work & not despair. I may even get you to write one of your irresistible letters to the lady if all else fails.
I am sure that you will make a wonderful landlord. I rather fancy myself as a tenant. Who could but be touched by the thought of hard won pennies buying bricks & mortar?
No more – I will write as soon as I have seen my Landlady who is also the dearest little Scotch woman.
I long for it all to happen & happen quickly. I hope things will soon be cleared a bit for Hayler to get busy. Your help has been so great. Thanks & love Frances
With joy I heard the brilliant Spirit of France
My Dear Eardley
A line to say your en route letter has reached me and been duly reflected upon.
Nothing could be clearer or more definite.
I passed the contents [interpolated] on to HER later in the day but she is really quite unfit to take in th extent of your generous offer and how enormously it would benefit me as well as improve the all but derelict old Building – save its life in fact.
She kept repeating I won’t turn you out Frances as long as you live – and I must consult my husband. It is his Studio tho’ I bought it etc etc.
This may seem rather damping but I shall see her again and get her reason for not wanting to sell to me or you if it is a monetary reason & if so – how much? But is is far from mercenary – quite the reverse.
Meanwhile I’ll get on with my work & not despair. I may even get you to write one of your irresistible letters to the lady if all else fails.
I am sure that you will make a wonderful landlord. I rather fancy myself as a tenant. Who could but be touched by the thought of hard won pennies buying bricks & mortar?
No more – I will write as soon as I have seen my Landlady who is also the dearest little Scotch woman.
I long for it all to happen & happen quickly. I hope things will soon be cleared a bit for Hayler to get busy. Your help has been so great. Thanks & love Frances
Sender's address
Corfe Castle
Credit Line
E
H
McCormick
Archive
of
Frances
Hodgkins'
Letters,
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H
McCormick
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