HALLÉ (Lady Wilma, née Neruda, 1839-1911, Violinist, 2nd wife of Sir Charles Hallé)

Autograph Letter Signed “Wilma Norman Neruda” in French with translation to Mr M. Huysmann, thanking him profusely for a painting of her son Ludvig, “the pleasure that Louis’s portrait gives me! I find it simply magnificent as a painting, the whole thing together is lovely! I just wanted to write to you today that I received it and placed it as advantageously as. possible. This painting charms me immensely! I always watch him while playing. Forgive me for only writing these few words, but I have so much to do and I’m playing at Monday Pap tonight, and I have to get dressed. I will write you another letter in a few days and tell you again how much the painting enchants me. A thousand wishes to Mrs. Heymann and your children...”, 3 sides 8vo., 20 Linden Gardens headed paper, 6th November

Wilhelmine Maria Franziska Neruda was also known as Wilma Norman-Neruda and Wilma, Lady Hallé. Neruda married Swedish musician Ludvig Norman (1831–1885) in Stockholm in 1864 and had two sons, Franz Ludvig and Felix Wilhelm Waldemar. She later married the German-English pianist and conductor Charles Hallé (1819–1895) in 1888. Following his death the British government gifted Lady Hallé a Palazzo in Asolo, Italy, where she moved to live with her son, Ludvig, who was an alpinist. Tragically, Ludvig died in a climbing accident in 1898 in the Dolomites.
Transcription
Brême 9 Aug. 1881
Mon cher Monsieur Huysmans, Je sais que vous ne me gronderez pas si je vous prie de payer les dettes pour mon fils – chez Madame de Cast ?, le xxx et avant tout son maître. Comme il me manque ce cher garçon ! Il doit être bien content de travailler à présent et j’espère qu’il fera des progrès bientôt. Vous m’écrirez n’est-ce pas comment il va ? Je suis allée à Vienne pour deux jours, me reposer un peu car la maladie de ma mère me fatigue corps et âme ! Elle est toujours très souffrante la pauvre bien aimée mère. Je vous envoie un chèque pour £25 et vous me direz quand il vous faudra plus. Mille compliments à Madame Huysmans et croyez-moi mon cher Monsieur Huysmans votre toute dévouée. Wilma Norman Neruda
Translation
Brême 9 Aug. 1881
Dear Mr. Huysmans, I know you won’t scold me if I ask you to pay the debts for my son - at Madame de Cast?, the xxx, and above all, his master. How I miss that dear boy! He must be very happy to be working now, and I hope he’ll make progress soon. You’ll write to me, won’t you? How he’s doing? I went to Vienna for two days to take a rest, because my mother's illness is tiring me body and soul! She’s still very unwell, poor beloved mother. I’m sending you a check for 25 pounds, and you please let me know when you need more. Many compliments to Madame Huysmans, and believe me, my dear Mr. Huysmans, yours faithfully. Wilma Norman Neruda

Item Date:  1882

Stock No:  43305      £125

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