DLA123-0016  Transcription

Hotel Ritz

Paseo del Prado

Madrid

Sunday. 13th. March 1927.

Stefferl^[1] dear, will you send this note on to Paulo^[2] when read! It will save me a letter.

Well, I’ve reached my destination, & had a most comfy journey. The crossing from Folkestone was hardly peceptable [sic], so smooth was the sea.

Then my few hours in Paris were employed, going to the studio, & seeing Mons. Dezarrois^[3] who lives in the same building.

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Later he took me in his car to the station, where we dined & I found my sleeper awaiting my arrival.

Next morning found us at the frontier, & all that day ∧(Saturday) we travelled through Spain till 9.40.p.m. I had glorious views of huge mountains snow clad, great stretches of land without vegetation, & interesting umbrella pines, not to speak of brilliant skies & sun!

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At lunch a charming Dutchman conversed with me. On my arrival in the Savoy Hotel, a letter from Dads^[4] told me he could not be in Madrid before Tuesday mg.! Painting & the few good trains from Lisbon account for this unexpected postponement –

Our hotel is quite nice; I’ll make myself comfy before Dads arrives – I’m now in the Ritz Hotel, awaiting the Devonports,^[5] who went off for an excursion – He is v. sick I hear from Dads at his non-arrival – Ld. D. wanted to view the galleries with him. I was in the Prado this mg. & saw the famous Charles V after the Battle of Mühlberg by Tizian [sic] – I remember it well from my last visit here. Then the wonderful Valesquez [sic]. There are several portraits by him of Marian [sic] of Austria, wife of Philip iV of Spain, & many of the latter. But dear me, looking at these pictures, Dads’ best work ranks with the best here & anywhere – I long for him to paint subject pictures – I’m learning

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Spanish (Hugo) & don’t find it too difficult – Well, altho’ so far, I feel so near to you both Stef & Pauli dear boys, & hope you are both well – Early to bed please is good preparation for Exams 

Lovingly

Mum

LR

21/11/2018

&

SdL

2009/2022