[Illustrated letter from William Orpen to Mrs St George with a sketch of the artist and the Berridge family]

Handwritten letter, on Metropolitan School of Art headed paper, in which Orpen writes that the Berridge family arrived today. He also mentions that he has been invited to Charles' yearly dinner. The letter is continued on the reverse where he writes that he is very lonely, as 'Sinclair is away and brother Richard has not appeared yet'.

(1911)

Ink and pencil on paper

Orpen painted the oil painting the 'The Berridge Family Group' in 1911.

Private Collection

Prints & Drawings Department

 

recto

My dear Mrs St George.
The Berridge family arrived
With two nurses - maid - governess
Etc. Etc. it was always very exciting
I hope you will be back this week end
as I would like to see Clonsilla again and
I'm booked for Saturday [the] fourth night - Charles yearly
dinner comes off - which I have been asked to for the last 6
and they have just sprang it on me this morning - Hope
you got on well in the country - and liked the house - and are
not upset after your journey I telephoned yesterday morning

verso

but you had gone I was late at the studio as
I had to go to the bank and do all sorts of things
at home before leaving-
feel very lonely as Sinclair is away and Brother
Richard has not appeared yet-
Had a grand crossing and found all well
Yours very sincerely
William Orpen

Sir William Orpen, Irish artist, born in Dublin, Orpen trained at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art before moving to London to study at the Slade School of Fine Art. He remained in London and became a highly successful portrait and subject painter. Appointed Official War Artist in 1917, Orpen left for France and was stationed at Amiens and the Somme Battlefields. He returned to London after the war and remained there until his death.