Freud, Lucian. (1922–2011)
Autograph Letter, Autograph Note and a Paint Rag from the Artist's Studio
Rare autograph letter from the famously reclusive and prickly artist, 1 page (8vo. "12.30" [Top Flat Studio, 36 Holland Park, London, 1987]), signed ("L.F."), to his downstairs neighbour, Mrs Jo Statham, saying he is "sorry about Heimat" and explaining that his builder has told him her "Ariel" was wrongly fixed to a rusty expansion pipe and fell of its own accord and as they are in the middle of a crucial job she cannot go on the roof; and suggesting she talk to them about it when they get back on Monday. Together with a signed thank-you note on an amusing folded Glen Baxter postcard, and rather amazingly, a large and heavily paint-daubed white cotton rag from the artist's studio.The recipient of this note, who lived below Freud at 36 Holland Park, has explained the circumstances in which it was written and in which the rag came into her possession. Freud's apology refers to the television programme 'Heimat' by Edgar Reitz, the first series of which was broadcast on British television in 1987. Thanks to the aerial (Freud rather poetically misspells it 'Ariel') having been moved by the painter's builder, the entire building had lost their signal, so that Mrs Statham missed the eleventh and final episode. The paint rag fell down onto her balcony one day and when she asked Freud if he wanted it back he declined. It could well be one of rags that features so strongly in the background of his 'Triple Portrait' (1986-7), as Statham remembers saying hello when passing in the hall to the woman with the two dogs who feature in the painting.
Please note that Mrs. Statham no longer owns this memorabilia, and is not the seller of this item. (11338)
Autograph Letter Art & Design