JOHN, Augustus (1878-1961). Artist.
Two Autograph Letters Signed to [?Frank] Rutter, 2 pages large and small 4to, Fryern Court, Fordingbidge, April and December 1935. A red (?paint) stain to the larger letter. Rather tetchily refusing permission for the reproduction of some portraits.

'When, pray, did I say Sir James Dunn had a picture of mine of the Marchesa Casati? The one I myself suggested you might, with Sir James's permission reproduce is the full length of my wife in a green jacket, which he refers to. You now ask me if I approve & consent to this being done!' [9 April 1935]
'I cannot agree to having any of those reproductions again re-produced ... they are already hackneyed. I have not seen the colour reproduction of Sir James Dunn's picture - the proper title of which is "The Green Jacket". The portrait of Lawrence in the Tate has already been reproduced. ...'

The letters are probably to Frank Rutter, who had published 'Modern Masterpieces' in 24 parts about 1930, one of the plates being The Green Jacket.
The best of Augustus John's three portraits of the Marchesa Casati, 1919, is presently in the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto). His portrait of T.E. Lawrence (also 1919) is probably the one in the Tate Gallery to which he refers in the second letter.
[No: 25105]