Home / Browse / Art, Architecture & Design / Autograph letter signed to Francis Birrell ("Dear Francis Birrell").
BELL, Clive.
Autograph letter signed to Francis Birrell ("Dear Francis Birrell").
Publisher: "Friday, West Wittering, Chichester", undated, c.1915-16
Stock code: 46128
Price: £350 Currency Conversion
Bell writes to Birrell telling him that Roger Fry is unlikely to accept an offered post. As Sir Hugh Lane is mentioned, the job in question is presumably director of the National Gallery of Ireland (Birrell's father Augustine was Irish chief secretary to May 1916): "All the same if he heard that he had been wanted by your father or by anyone whom he respected I dare say he would be pleased." Bell mentions that Fry is currently in Paris, about to stay with Simon Bussy; dismisses Aitken as a candidate for the post, and suggests Walter Bayes as an alternative. He also discusses the war, implying that the Sussex locals are more interested in the weather: "That's the sort of thing we feel real emotions about in the country; as for National honour and German arrogance they come with the newspapers and go with the breakfast things." In a postscript, Bell admits to having been "far too positive … For all I know Roger would like that well enough. I could sound him if that is what you prefer, or perhaps it would be best for the authorities, whoever they may be, to write definitely when & if they make up their minds."
4 pages on a single sheet, imperial (9 × 7 ins), folded twice. Some finger-marks to rear panel; a few unrelated pencil marginal notes, presumably in Birrell's hand.
