Letter from Alida Spaander to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)
RecipientReceived by
James McBey
(Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
SenderSent by
Alida Spaander
Date1910
Object NameLetter
Mediumpaper and ink
ClassificationsMcBey
DimensionsLetter: 25.6 x 21.4cm
Envelope: 11.5 x 15.6cm
Envelope: 11.5 x 15.6cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008357.21
Keywords
In the letter Alida explains that she had not written sooner, because she was just back from holidaying in Paris, Brussells, Antwerp and Brugge, but says that upon her return the first message she received was one to write to him. Alida then talks about how much she missed McBey and that, "When I am alone I am longing to have my good friend again."
She then talks about her discovery of an old letter from Mr and Mrs Fiddes Watt and Greig, and that a new letter from Mrs Watt made her feel old, because enclosed with it was a picture of Mrs Watt's three little boys. Alida also says that she was sorry to hear that McBey had not been well and hoped that he was feeling better now.
When writing the letter Alida was taking care of the business while her parents were away and talks of their current financial struggles explaining, "We had the finest wealth over here, it is now going to the cold." She then asks how McBey is getting on with his work,and says the servants often have kind words for him.
Alida ends the letter by asking McBey to write, saying that he might see her one day in Edinburgh or Glasgow if her father allows her to have another holiday, and urging him to visit them again soon.
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.
