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March 15. 1888.
Villa Baron,
Mentone
My dear Mrs Barnett,
Mrs Barrington writes to me to ask what is to be done about exhibiting
the head I painted of Mr Barnett! I remember upon talking the
matter over with my wife that she has already been in communication
with you on the subject so perhaps no words from me are needed.
I have always a very great objection to exhibiting at all, just
now the objection is increased, for reasons of my own I particularly
desire to send only one picture to the Royal Academy, "Dawn"
is to go there. I do not wish to send to the Grosvenor, in fact
would much rather not for although I do not in the least degree
identify myself with personal misunderstandings I will not seem
to identify myself with anything that seeks to make art a question
of cent per cent (unduly) I am not and cannot be satisfied with
[the] direction the question regarding the government of the
Grosvenor Gallery has taken. I have sacrificed not a little myself
of the World's goods in the endeavour to keep art and mere commerce
(a good thing in its place) separate and for the sake of principle
I think I have a right to be a little fastidious. I would say
send the picture to the New Gallery, but I placed, before I left
England a picture at the disposal of Mr Burne Jones (before there
was any question of a New Gallery) and as I would desire to avoid
identifying myself with one side, I desire to avoid identifying
myself with the other unless I see it carrying out principles
which I shall feel myself called upon strongly to endorse my
duty to Art. You will see that I wish to send for exhibition
only the two works engaged and should feel obliged if you would
let your picture stand over till next year.
It is most good of you to
take Mr Schott into your charge I think you will find the payment
good actions should receive and I do receive oftener than people
believe. I hope things go pleasantly with you and that we shall
find you and Mr Barnett flourishing (in about two months).
Yours very sincerely,
G.F. WATTS.
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