Letter from Margot Murray to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)

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Letter from Margot Murray to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)

RecipientReceived by James McBey (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)

SenderSent by Margot Murray (Scotland, active 1919 - 1947)

Date1947

Object NameLetter

Mediumpaper and ink

ClassificationsMcBey

DimensionsLetter: 9 x 13.7cm
Envelope: 9.8 x 14.2cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG008357.10

Keywords

About MeLetter from Margot Murray to James McBey in an envelope date stamped 8 September 1947. Margot apologises for taking so long to thank McBey for his "delightful letter from Scotland" explaining, "I was tremendously thrilled to see your beautiful handwriting addressed to me, the first time for 23 years!"

She also says that it was a a pity they missed each other "that weekend" stating, "if only you could have persevered a little longer with Marianne." Margot says that she should have been at the Pavillion to greet McBey with Ernest Brown, and, in response to McBey's previous letter, was glad to know that he had made time to "revisit yon Bonnie Scotland." She states this, "must have been enchanting in the sunshine, and I am sure could not have been excelled even by your beloved Morocco."

Margot then sends well wishes to Marguerite, hoping that she made it to McBey safely "bringing good news from America", and explains that she had just had a great holiday at Kingsgate. While there Margot went to Maryland where she had been "learning to do the crawl at last", and explains that, although it was now a private hotel it "still radiated for me a lovely atmosphere of the past (when you did those charcoal masterpieces on the walls!"

The end of the letter reads;
"Before ending the scribble I must tell you how proud I am to know that you have acutally framed my drawing, and that it hangs at Holland Park. I am afraid it cannot look very decorative, but the subject, anyway, is rather sweet I think. Hoping to see you both again soon. With love from Margot."

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.