Skip to main content
Letter from Billy Turner to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)
Letter from Billy Turner to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)
Letter from Billy Turner to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)

Letter from Billy Turner to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)

Recipient (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
Recipient (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 1905 - 1999)
Datec. 1931
Object NameLetter
Mediumpaper and ink
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions22.8 x 18cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008357.5
About MeLetter from Eileen Arbuthnot Robertson, known to the McBey's as Billy Turner, dated 13 October, reminding them both of her travel plans. She was to leave Southampton on 12 November, Tangier on 16 November, and then arrive with the McBeys on 17th November, Billy then explains, "I'll have to go back on Dec 2nd, which will probably break my heart, because H. and I sail for Jamaica on the 13th."

The H. referred to by Billy was her husband H. E. Turner, who was secretary general of the Empire Press Union,then later the Commonwealth Press Union. The couple were married on 26 February 1927.

In the letter Billy refers to James and Marguerite as "levelies" and explains that she wished she could spend more time in Marrakesh with them. Turner also explains that she has lots to share with them and is going to "dam it all up" until they meet in person.

This object is part of an archive that belonged to Marguerite McBey. As a result of her generosity, Aberdeen Art Gallery holds the largest archive of James McBey's work, including prints, drawings, sketchbooks, oil paintings and memorabilia such as this letter.