JOHN (Augustus, 1878-1961, Painter)

Fine Autograph Letter signed to "Dear Jim" saying that "it's a long time since you wrote and sent me that fine drawing. What must you think of me? I have it is true been laid up in hospital ... for a long spell after an operation. They removed a Stone from my inside which, after years was becoming a great nuisance and upsetting me a lot. The Op. was a great success, and I am now convalescing and Dode & I are just about to move to the South of Spain to Malaga where I am told sun is guaranteed. It has been a frightful year here. Please don't think I didn't appreciate your kindness in sending me the splendid cat. It is drawn with the spirit of a calligraphic Chinese Masterpiece! I hear often from Poppet, and Pol also has written. His work from what I have seen, shows real sensibility and appears to improve all the time. He is to have a show in London in the Spring. I too, hope to get busy in the south after so long a break. It may take some time to find a suitable place but we are first at a village on the sea ... Well, my dear Jim, we leave tomorrow for London ... Thank you again for your letter and the Cat! ...", 2 sides 8vo., Fryern Court, Hants headed paper, 12th December

Dorothy (Dorelia) McNeill (1881-1969) was best known as a model for the Gwen and Augustus John. During a stay in Toulouse Gwen John painted several oils of McNeill, including Dorelia in a Black Dress,before the two proceeded to Paris, where they briefly shared quarters in 1904. McNeill left for Bruges with a Belgian artist, and was pursued by Augustus, with whom she returned to England. She lived in a ménage à trois with Augustus John and his wife Ida Nettleship, sometimes as part of a Gypsy caravan that would grow to include John's children by both women. The arrangement lasted until Nettleship's death in 1907, when McNeill became the principal female figure in the John household. They had four children together in addition to the five that he had with Ida.

Item Date:  1954

Stock No:  41546      £325

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