| Description | Dear Signor
Don't cuss & swear at me for writing to you through the hand of a secretary. The letter I am now writing to you is, as you can see, one of several of a similar character.
A scheme is on foot in Perugia to erect a public statue to Perugino, and although the Perugians are themselves coming forward hamdsomely in the matter, it is intended that this monument to the master of Raphael & Pinturicchio should be an international affair, & competed for by sculptors from all countries. Committees have been formed & the French are taking it up, I understand, with warmth; and I was pressed & could not refuse, to try to organize a Committee in England. The idea is I should add that the members of the Committee are also what they call 'actionaires', that is to say, that everybody holding one or more shares (and the shares are £4) has a voice in the election of the sculptor & the selection of the work. Their great desire further is to obtain names: money contributions, though of course welcome, are not indispensible. And, now, I am beating about for those who would take a sufficient interest in the matter in this country to join as paying, or as ornamental, members of the Committee. Do send me a line to say that you will be one of them.
Your affec'ly
Fred Leighton
Love to Mary |