Lot 1663
Whistler, James McNeill. An autographed letter signed to Jack Chapman, requesting the loan of pictures, 'My dear Jack. Now lend me first your car - and be very nice - and then lend me your pictures. You know my dear Jack I have only hitherto to congratulate myself upon your possession of my paintings, for not only have you always shown for them the greatest care and affection, but on more than one occasion, have you willingly loaned them for exhibition: thus spreading their reputation, and continuing the art history of their author. Now I want to borrow them for the great International Exhibition of Munich, where I am to be received with great form & preparation, and for the Exposition International Paris. {The Nocture: grey and gold, The Nocture: Southampton Water, The [illegible] sea piece.' 'Do my dear Jack kindly have them packed and sent to me at once, as time is pressing. I will lend you framed etchings, beauties, to fill their place during this exhibition, and naturally all expenses will be defrayed by me. With my kindest regards to Mrs Chapman. Always my dear Jack, J. McNeill Whistler. 'The Vale' Kings Road, Chelsea', 2pp. undated, on Beefsteak Club notepaper, folded, slightly browned
James Alfred Chapman (1839-1917) was an engineer and industrialist based in Liverpool who was one of Whistler's major patrons in the 1870s.
