signed Hardcover
1890 · London
by Whistler, James Abbott McNeill, 1834-1903
London: Heinemann, 1890. Hardcover. Good. [16]. 292p. Original cloth-backed boards. 21cm. Covers darkened, scuffed and heavily edge-worn. Short tear at head of front joint. Foxing on endpapers which were reglued where cracked along hinges. Bookplate (Alexander Stuart Graham). Mounted on the Front free endpaper is an Autograph Note Signed from Whistler to Howard Helmick (1845-1907), an American artist who lived in the British Isles from 1872 to 1887 and with whom Whistler had a friendly relationship in the early 1880s. The enclosures mentioned in the note are not present. The note is undated but was written in mid-May of 1881. The University of Glasgow's on-line "The Correspondence of James McNeill Whistler" dates a missive with similar content to Elizabeth Lewis as May 19/21 1881.
Here is what we think our Note says: -- "Dear Helmick - Keep the enclosed from me -- and if not too great a bore read first the 'Extracts from the Press,' and then my letter to the Committee -- you shall tell me [...] what you think of this --
'Haden-Piker-Painter-Etcher-Plot!'
Have you seen today's World? -- Take a peep and see the scalp I have whipped off en passant! --
Ever yours
28 Wimpole Street J A mcN. Whistler" [no butterfly]. (Inventory #: 86606)
Here is what we think our Note says: -- "Dear Helmick - Keep the enclosed from me -- and if not too great a bore read first the 'Extracts from the Press,' and then my letter to the Committee -- you shall tell me [...] what you think of this --
'Haden-Piker-Painter-Etcher-Plot!'
Have you seen today's World? -- Take a peep and see the scalp I have whipped off en passant! --
Ever yours
28 Wimpole Street J A mcN. Whistler" [no butterfly]. (Inventory #: 86606)