| Description | Dereham, Bushey, Herts
27 Nov 1878
Dictated, illustrated
My dear Sir Frederick Leighton
I am just recovering from an attack of brain fever and although I am not allowed yet to write, I can no longer wait without dictating a letter to express my own individual pleasure at your being the new President.
Three years ago you wrote me a letter after seeing my Chelsea Pensioners! Perhaps you little dreamt of the tears of joy that that letter caused in a young painter, who will always feel that he owes you a debt of gratitude. And now he glories in your being the chief of that body, which attracts to it all the principal art of the country. All England feels that you from your new position will give new life to it.
Perhaps you will allow me when I am sufficiently recovered to come and see you.
In the meantime, believe me to be with much heartfelt congratulations
Sincerely yours
A.H. von Hubert Herkomer
|