Detail from The Canal, Amsterdam, 1889, James McNeill Whistler, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

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M.1502
Mrs Willis bringing in the tea

Artist: James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1897
Collection: Glasgow University Library
Accession Number: MS Whistler P339
Medium: pen and black ink
Support: white laid paper, yellow embossed monogram 'WH' (William Heinemann) and '4, WHITEHALL COURT/ S.W.', f.s.
Size: 7 7/8 x 6" (199 x 153 mm)
Signature: 'the General' on letter
Inscription: letter from Whistler to R. Birnie Philip
print

Mrs Willis bringing in the tea

Sitter

Mrs Willis bringing in the tea, Glasgow University Library
Mrs Willis bringing in the tea, Glasgow University Library

Mrs Willis (fl. 1890/1900), Whistler's very unsatisfactory house-keeper at 8 Fitzroy Street. The relevant part of the letter reads :

'My honest native - bringing in the tea! -

No "decietful [sic] ways" in the Willis's!! - all open - & straightforward there!' 1

Notes:

1: [16 January 1897], GUW #04699.

Last updated: 6th March 2021 by Margaret