Beschreibung:

AUGUSTUS EDWIN JOHN (1878-1961) A collection of twenty-one autograph letters, some signed 'Augustus John', the rest 'Augustus', from Fryern Court, Fordingbridge, Hants, dating from 1958 to 1961, 4 and 8, to Sir Charles Wheeler mostly concerned with the production of a large triptych, also mentioning other artists and trips to London, including i) March 28 1956, 1p, 4, apologising for not finishing a portrait for the Summer Exhibition 'due to the illness of my model', and saying that he will send two other items which 'although sketchy are as good as portraiture' (creased on folds, torn at left edge). ii) April 25th 1956, 2pp, 8, enclosing ten guineas as a contribution to Royal Academy funds, 'it should be more but I have quite a number of people dependent more or less on me' (creased on fold). iii) March 8th 1960, 2pp, 4, mentioning that he saw Matthew Smith's show at Tooth's, 'This bowled me over'. He describes his current work on a large triptych, but thinks it will not be finished in time for the exhibition and suggests that his portrait of the late Lord D'Abernon be included instead (creased on fold, slightly torn). iv) March 4th 1961, 3pp, 8, referring to the Abbey Fund's purchase of the centre panel of the triptych for 5,000, he is 'quite overwhelmed'. v) March 9th 1961, 2pp, 8, 'After working harder than ever, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot continue without ruining whatever merit these large pictures may have had...I want to ask you to release me from my promise to have these things ready...I cannot work against time...I will not again make un-necessary promises but will return to the work I love with renewed zest and confidence...May I also count on...your true friendship which has been so great a stimulus and guidance'. vi) Friday 14th, 1p, 8, 'Having worked continuously on the three panels and nothing else, I think they begin to look presentable'. (21)