DLA073-0006 Transcription
ADMIRALTY HOUSE,
PORTSMOUTH.
17th Nov [1930]
Dear Mr de Laszlo
You very kindly said I was to write and tell you if I was going to be up in London any time in case you could fit in a sitting for the alteration of my picture [possibly 5978].[1]
I shall be staying with my mother at 39 Lowndes St. for the nights of 19th and 20th Nov. and wondered if you would like me to come any time on the 20th? I have
[Page 2]
to go to a committee meeting at 3 o’clock on the 19th but could probably come after 4.30 if that was more convenient.
I know you are so busy that it is only a very slight chance of your being able to fit me in, but thought I had better let you know at any rate. Is there any chance of you and Mrs de Laszlo[2] coming here for a week-end? We should be so glad to see you if you could spare the time to stay with us.
I hope you are pleased with your son’s engagement[3] and send any best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Eva Keyes
P.S.: The Queen of Spain[4] was admiring your picture of my husband [5990] yesterday
Editorial Note:
Lady Keyes, née Eva Mary Salvin Bowlby (1882–1973); for biographical notes, see [5980].
CC
22/05/2006
[1] De László painted two portraits of Lady Keyes. The first, which she rejected, was signed by the artist ‘Study / by de László’ [5978]. At her request, a second portrait was completed [5980]. See related item DLA073-0009, letter from Mrs Elizabeth Bowlby to de László, 20 November 1929: “You once kindly promised that you would make a small alteration to the [mocette?], of this picture of my daughter Lady Keyes, & I am making so bold as to take you at your word, & have brought the picture to your Studio.” Also see DLA123-0056, letter from Admiral Sir Roger Keyes to de László, 1 February 1931 in which Keyes writes: “I was in London yesterday and saw in London the sketch – as you call it – of my wife [5978]. I had not seen it previously since you repainted the face. I do think it is perfectly charming – I simply love it – and am delighted to possess it.” For de László’s reply to DLA073-0006, see DLA073-0005, letter from de László to Lady Keyes, 19 November 1930: “In accordance with your suggestion, I should be very pleased to compare your portrait again … it would be great satisfaction to me to know that, by your having another sitting for the picture, I should be gratifying Mrs. Bowlby’s wishes.”
[2] Mrs Philip de László, née Lucy Madeleine Guinness (1870–1950) [11474]
[3] A reference to the artist’s second son, Stephen Philip de Laszlo (1904–1939) [4375], whose engagement to Edith Alexandra (Diana) von Versen (1906–1938) [11084] was announced in October 1930.
[4] Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain, née Princess Victoria Eugénie Julia Ena of Battenberg; Consort of Alfonso XIII (1887–1969) [7933]