| Description | Dear Signor
Lionel Cust is now engaged (he is the new Director, you know) in the Herculean labour of hanging the New National Portrait Gallery, which has to be done with much care & judgement. A most important feature will be, of course, your magnificent contribution but here his great perplexity steps in; - (he has consulted me privately) - in view of your having handed over certain works to S. Kensington at once he is uncertain whether your Portrait Gallery is to be considered as a gift to be handed over to the Nation now that dignified provision is made for its housing, or as a bequest, which all earnestly & warmly hope to be a far off contingency. His arrangements would of course be made accordingly. Will you let me have word for him? or, as I am wandering from pillar to post, would you send him just one line to solve his doubts?
Love to Mary from your
Always affec'
Fred Leighton
p.s. I hope you are well & able to work to your heart's content. I am taking things very easily & luxuriously - but am not in brilliant trim.
ci vuol paziaenza! |