Letter from Frances Hodgkins to Eardley Knollys
Date
23 Nov 1944
See transcription
Catalogue number
FHL429
Date
23 Nov 1944
Transcript
Studio Nov 23rd 44
My Dear Eardley
It was a joy & a great honour to be given the beloved tricolour sacred symbol of French valour. How I love it. I can’t answer for the Robin but I know I shall be proud to wear the darling ribbon in my beret. British Robins know all too well what befalls little birds in France. They would be eaten for sure.
I have given up all hope of getting to Wales for the present at least; it was growing boring sitting glued to my suit case – besides the weather is horrible. I hope you are running into a dryer zone. I hope you are well & not in need of a brandy flask. I have forgotten where I have put it now. This letter is out of date. It should have been written a week ago. In fact I have meant to write & tell you a few things that have happened – told me by AK – such as: Of course you know Mrs Lang, has for the moment gone home & Mary Shurrock is here – I have not spoken to her. Do you know that more than a week a go, one evil day Mrs Newbery had a stroke, incipient stroke, & is still in bed refusing all food. I am concerned about her & rather sad – ( I don’t imagine for one minute that this Studio problem is contributory) but it is very likely to delay progress. Mary has told AK that both she & her sisiter are willing to sign agreement giving you first refusal to buy Studio. She thought £350 the figure arrived at, but is not sure.
Yesterday, Wednesday, I had your extremely clear & lucid ultimatum to the Newberys. I think it is very fair to both sides & towards myself both compassionate & sensible.
I only hope that you are not putting your shirt on the wrong horse & one not likely to stay the course. I myself have no doubt but that it is a sound investment by a shrewd investor. I propose to give & hand over to you as an asset to the Firm the problem picture you like fate-like as you say – Courtyard by Night I call it. So come in your car when you come. What about bringing Lanteglos with you to be signed decently. All work I do hereafter goes to Leicester & Lefevre Gallery till they have my full quota.
You will be relieved to hear that the recent floods hae not damaged Studio roof – only very minor leaks.
I am up a tree for fresh subjects. But I expect something will turn up – or it may be in Wales in the Spring.
Lovely to see you again. Do hope you’ll come. Love Frances.
My Dear Eardley
It was a joy & a great honour to be given the beloved tricolour sacred symbol of French valour. How I love it. I can’t answer for the Robin but I know I shall be proud to wear the darling ribbon in my beret. British Robins know all too well what befalls little birds in France. They would be eaten for sure.
I have given up all hope of getting to Wales for the present at least; it was growing boring sitting glued to my suit case – besides the weather is horrible. I hope you are running into a dryer zone. I hope you are well & not in need of a brandy flask. I have forgotten where I have put it now. This letter is out of date. It should have been written a week ago. In fact I have meant to write & tell you a few things that have happened – told me by AK – such as: Of course you know Mrs Lang, has for the moment gone home & Mary Shurrock is here – I have not spoken to her. Do you know that more than a week a go, one evil day Mrs Newbery had a stroke, incipient stroke, & is still in bed refusing all food. I am concerned about her & rather sad – ( I don’t imagine for one minute that this Studio problem is contributory) but it is very likely to delay progress. Mary has told AK that both she & her sisiter are willing to sign agreement giving you first refusal to buy Studio. She thought £350 the figure arrived at, but is not sure.
Yesterday, Wednesday, I had your extremely clear & lucid ultimatum to the Newberys. I think it is very fair to both sides & towards myself both compassionate & sensible.
I only hope that you are not putting your shirt on the wrong horse & one not likely to stay the course. I myself have no doubt but that it is a sound investment by a shrewd investor. I propose to give & hand over to you as an asset to the Firm the problem picture you like fate-like as you say – Courtyard by Night I call it. So come in your car when you come. What about bringing Lanteglos with you to be signed decently. All work I do hereafter goes to Leicester & Lefevre Gallery till they have my full quota.
You will be relieved to hear that the recent floods hae not damaged Studio roof – only very minor leaks.
I am up a tree for fresh subjects. But I expect something will turn up – or it may be in Wales in the Spring.
Lovely to see you again. Do hope you’ll come. Love Frances.
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Studio
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E
H
McCormick
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Frances
Hodgkins'
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H
McCormick
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