DLA007-0031  Transcription

THE LONDON AND NEW ART SCHOOL

Director: FRANCKLYN HELMORE.

STRATFORD STUDIOS,

STRATFORD ROAD,

KENSINGTON, W.

Secretary-MRS. HELMORE.

6th May 1912.

Dear Mr de László

I am writing to tell you that as I have not been able to get fit and strong I have been advised to go away into the country for some while. I had hoped to get away three weeks ago but there has been so much to do that I have been prevented. I can now see my way clear to getting away to-morrow or Wednesday and I am therefore letting you know at once. I should have written before had anything definite been settled.

I hope you will forgive me for not letting you know before this that I should not be able to come to the Artists’ Benevolent dinner; but even if I was in town on Thursday, I am sure I should not be wise to go out in the evening as I really have not been feeling well enough lately. Please believe that I am most grateful to you for inviting me

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and I know that if I had felt up to it I should have enjoyed myself immensely; but I am sure you will understand.

With regard to the school – I have asked [Orchardson?] to carry on my duties temporarily and he is going to have a studio here and be constantly on the premises as soon as the present tenant moves out of No5 Studio. I am certain that his presence here will make for greater efficiency throughout the school and I know he will carry out the ideals that we have set before us.

I cannot conclude this letter without saying again how very sincerely grateful I am to you for all you have done for the school and that I hope my absence will in no way inconvenience you.

Yours most sincerely

W. Francklyn Helmore

Editorial Note:

De László taught, without payment, for one morning a week at the London and New Art School where he gave the portrait class for advanced students who planned to become professional painters.^[1] The artist was generous not only with his time, but also with his money: “Occasionally he would give the whole class money for paints, and privately helped those whom he knew to be poor”.^[2] W. Franklyn Helmore, the sender of DLA007-0031, was the school’s Director. Staff included Frank Brangwyn, John Hassall and Edmund J. Sullivan.

CC

11/07/2006