DLA019-0028  Transcription

Robertson & Bruce,

Fine Art Dealers,

Panmure Salon,

9 Panmure Street,

Dundee

16th April 1930.

Philip A. De Laszlo Esq., M.V.O.,

3, Fitzjohn’s Avenue,

LONDON, N.W.3.

Dear Mr. De Laszlo,

I expect you have now returned to London. I was to write you some time ago when you were elected the President of the R.B.A. I must congratulate the R.B.A. on their wisdom in electing you as their president, as I am sure you will be very helpful to the society. At the same time, I also congratulate you on the distinction, and hope you will find the work pleasing.

I trust Mrs. De Laszlo and yourself had a good time abroad.

I am sure you would get a shock at the passing of our mutual friend, Lord Dewar.^[1] Strange to say, about six weeks ago,

I was in town and had a long chat with him in his office in Haymarket. Time and again in the course of conversation he referred to you and your wonderful work. He told me that he was having his portrait painted by you, which I of course knew, and he was eagerly looking forward to having it done. He will be missed very much in many ways, and I myself personally will also miss him, as he was always very kind to me during

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the many years I have known him.

Mrs. Robertson and I will probably be in London about the middle of next month for a few days, and would be glad to come down just for a few minutes to see you and Mrs. De Laszlo, some evening after you are finished with your sitters. You are always so very busy that every minute is valuable.

Business has been very quiet in Dundee, and every profession and trade has been suffering. The jute trade, which is the industry of our city, has got a very bad set back. However, I feel it is now past the worst, and that things may take a turn for the better.

I will now close, | Trusting Mrs. De Laszlo, yourself, and family are all well, | With our united greetings to you all, | I am

Yours faithfully,

John Robertson

P.S. We are holding an exhibition of oils, watercolours, and etchings, in the Assembly Rooms, Hull, for one week, beginning on the 5th May. I hope it may prove a success, but I have been informed that they are not very many collectors of high class pictures in Hull. If you have any friends in Hull district to whom you would like me to send a catalogue and an invitation, I will be very pleased to do so, as it might help matter. JR

Editorial Note:

John Robertson (1862-1943) [4149], fine art dealer

SMDL

26/05/2018