DLA106-0040  Transcription

GILSTON PARK,

HARLOW,

ESSEX.

July 6th [1923]

Dear Mr. de Laszló

What must you be thinking of me for not answering your letter before. Forgive me as you are generous —

I loved your exhibition^[1] but would have liked the room empty of human beings, however, as that was impossible I gave myself up to a most enjoyable hour. Honestly I liked the men portraits better than the ladies – of course Mussolini [6383] & Sir John Simon [6771] stood absolutely alone – as regards

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the former, his visionary & idealistic face is almost super-human & just to look at it, seems to raise one’s ideals from all pettiness —

Lady Rachel Cavendish [5105], I liked very much, because I loved the soft tones, the thoroughly English face type & the simplicity of it all – But why am I, an ignoramus, daring to criticize your work, why? just because I love it all & you did ask me, didn’t you? I would have enjoyed & appreciated going round with you, but alas, when your letter arrived I had not another chance of going to London before the exhibition closed. We are so looking forward to seeing you & John on Sunday.

[In the top margin of page 1] but we are sad that your visit will be so short.

yours very sincerely

Catherine Bowlby

Editorial Note:

Mrs Arthur Salvin Bowlby, née Catherine Mary Bond (1875–1943); for biographical notes, see [2880].

SMDL

24/01/2023