DLA011-0033 Transcription

PENRHÔS,

HOLYHEAD.

Sept. 16.

My dear M. de Laszló

I wonder very often if you have forgotten Penhrôs and its Chatelaine?^[1] I remember now many years ago your visit here. And in this time of stress wonder how you all are

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so I write you this note just to remind you of us.

After 7 delightful weeks here, we are leaving by motor today for Alderley where I have a hospital for 20 wounded

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soldiers.^[2] All my [belongings?] son and sons in law are at the front. & I am very seldom in London. tho next week I shall be for 2 days Tuesday & Wednesday, but I would like to have news of you & your wife so if you will send me a line to Alderley Chelford Cheshire I should be glad.

Yours most sincerely

Maisie Sheffield

SMDL

10/11/2017

[1] In 1904, de László had stayed at Penrhôs, the Stanley family house by the sea outside Holyhead in Anglesey, where he painted the official portrait of Lord Stanley [12808]. While there, he also painted Lady Stanley’s portrait [3870]. The artist would paint three further portraits of Lady Stanley [2767] [2770] [2768], and he remained close to the family over some twenty-five years. In 1918, De László painted Lord Stanley’s portrait again [2065] in gratitude for his support during the time of his internment and ultimate exoneration from 1917 to 1919.

[2] During the First World War, Lady Sheffield converted the family home, Alderley House, Cheshire, into a Red Cross convalescent hospital. [2767] shows Lady Stanley wearing the uniform of a Red Cross nurse.