DLA016-0053  Transcription

29th May, 1925.

Ever since my return from France I have been so overwhelmed with duties connected with my work in the studio, and just at the height of the London season many social duties also, that I have been unable to sit quietly down and concentrate myself and have a chat and thank you both for your most cordial and kind letters of the 30th April and 19th May.

I am sure, dear friend, if you only knew how occupied I have been, you would understand and forgive me easily for my delayed reply.

My heart is filled with joy at hearing from you and of other friends, and my brother^[1] of the great success my Exhibition has been in Budapest.^[2] I only wish that I could have been present at the opening, but I am proud to know, that after all the unpleasant experiences I had with my countrymen for some years past, that moral satisfaction has been given me throughout by all my native people.

My brother described to me how kind the Governor and Madame Horthy^[3] had been on the opening day and how delighted they were with all they had seen.

I am only sorry that I did not send more of my latest work – but leave that for another time.

I feel proud to know that I am not forgotten and that all my friends are taking so much interest in this Exhibition, and I wish to thank you and Madame de Barczy^[4] for all your personal interest and collaboration which has meant so much towards its success.

And now, dear friend, we are both preparing for this long desired journey to Budapest and this time under such pleasant circumstances. Besides the pleasure of

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seeing all our dear friends, I will also see the concentrated work of my youth and early struggle.

We are intending to leave either on the 14th or 15th June, going straight down to Budapest so we shall arrive on the 17th, but we shall only be able to stop about four days. In any case you will receive a wire, telling you the hour of our arrival.

Alas! to any great regret it will be impossible for me to stop longer.

If you make any arrangements for us to meet friends, like the Governor or the Prime Minister and others – I wish to let you know that I would have at least two luncheons and one dinner with my brother and nearest relation, and I am sure you will understand.

We are so much looking forward to spending our time in Budapest in your new home, in that historical old house, which I know will be charming. Nothing could have given me greater pleasure than this opportunity of enjoying your kind hospitality, which will also keep us away from many other unpleasant experiences which would otherwise occur.

As you know I shall like to be with you as much and as quietly as possible, but I certainly will be pleased to meet amongst other friends the British Minister.^[5] I would be very grateful if you could kindly let me know what your plans are during our visit, as I would be very glad if you could arrange to give me an opportunity of meeting The President of the Art Society, H.E. Lukacs^[6] and Pour.^[7] They both really were excellent in doing their best for the success of my Exhibition. I am afraid the time will be too short to avail ourselves of Prince Festivich’s^[8] invitation, but we much hope that we shall perhaps meet him at Budapest.

I have received a great many newspaper cuttings and it is a great satisfaction to me to see the appreciative reception with which any works have been received.

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On looking through the catalogue I much regret to see that there are no pictures of Gerliczy,^[9] Gorgey,^[10] or the Archduchess Frederick,^[11] but I am overjoyed to know that the portrait of Madame de Barczy [111011] is so much liked, but I must confess that I have entirely forgotten that I did a second one [11343].

We are so much hoping that our journey will be accompanied with splendid weather, when I arrive in my native land, which is so rich in memories for me of the past, and I am much looking to once again hearing some good gypsy music. Do you think it would be a good plan for me to entertain one or two friends at one of the good Hotels – just tell me absolutely frankly what you think about this as I know I am in good hands with you as you understand the situation and will know what is wise to do.

You will have heard that I have given to the Art Society a prize for two years, to any young and talented artist and I hope on my arrival, that they will have come to a decision as to whom they have selected for it.

I am very pleased to be leaving London as, just now at the height of the season, it is very tiring, besides being so busy in the Studio. At the moment I am painting the Lord Chamberlain’s beautiful wife, Lady Bromer [sic]^[12] and child [6762], also the lovely Lady Milford Haven [3491] and many others.

Last weekend we had a delightful time at the Cambridge University, when two of my pictures were presented, one being handed over to Christ’s College [2458] and the other to the Museum [2456].^[13] I simply love all the ancient traditions with which these ceremonies are attended. And this week-end we go to Oxford, where our son Paul^[14] is at Balliol College and where we have been invited by the Vice-Chancellor and to one or two official dinners.  

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As you already know my portrait of Pius X1 [6690], which I painted this spring, has been placed in the Bodleian Library, of which I am very proud.

Last, but not least I wish also to thank you for so kindly sending me the newspaper cuttings containing the description of the interview you gave them regarding the many Prime Ministers which you helped in their political struggles. It takes one back to all your past experiences – in fact, you ought to write a book of Memoirs as I am doing at present. I do hope in the near future you will achieve what you deserve – a position where you can serve, with all your vast experience, the good of Hungary.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and please convey my homage to dear Madame de Barczy.  

Counting the days when I shall be able to greet you personally.

Believe me, | Dear friend, | Always your friend,

Editorial Note:

István Bárczy de Bárcziháza (1882-1952), Private Secretary to successive Hungarian Prime Ministers, later Permanent Undersecretary of State in the Hungarian Prime Minister’s Office and close friend of de László; for biographical notes, see [111342].

ACW

27/07/2009