Letter from Clemence Bonnet to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)

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Letter from Clemence Bonnet to James McBey (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)

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

SenderSent by Clemence Bonnet

Date1939

Object NameLetter

Mediumpaper and ink

ClassificationsMcBey

DimensionsLetter: 26.9 x 20.9cm
Envelope: 12 x 15.5cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG008357.27

Keywords

About MeLetter from Clemence Bonnet to James McBey dated 28 September 1939, in the original envelope. Clemence asks if McBey had received her previous letters, because she had not heard from McBey or Marguerite for a long while. She asks McBey to give her a full update including how they were, and what the weather had been like. Clemence explains that the weather in Tangier was good, but she had been stuck in bed with a severe cold, so had not been to Jalobey for a while. Her sister was also still in Tangier, as the "current situation" has postponed her departure.

Clemence says that she wanted James and Marguerite to come back to Jalobey soon, so that she would know they were safe, and urges them to return for her Birthday in a month. She also promises McBey that if he comes back she will pose for him, although she explains, "I know I am not a wonderful model, but I shall try to look my very best."

Clemence also updates McBey about her family and friends saying that she often sees "Joe", whose children moved to Portugal. She then explains that her Mother is in Casablanca, her Uncle is "very low" after his son was called away, and only herself, her daugher, and Ruth Garland were now staying at the villa.

At the end of the letter Clemence outlines the five courses of a "wonderful meal" she promises to prepare if McBey comes back to Tangier, and asks him what he thinks.

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.