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
Envelope: 12 x 15.5cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008357.28
Keywords
Clemence expresses how worried she was at having not heard from him for so long, and explains that this letter was sent by plane, because this service was now running again. She talks about the "sad atmosphere" that has been created through so many men having to go to War, leaving women and children behind. Lucien Bonnet's son had gone and Lucien was now dying, Clemence explains that Lucien was already ill but the worry for his son's safety had made things even worse. His daugthers had arrived yesterday from Portugal so were now with him in Casablanca, where Clemence's mother and Ruth Maxwell were also staying.
Clemence apologises for her poor English in the letter, explaining that is was not as good since McBey had left, she then talks about how she longs to see James and Marguerite again soon. She tells McBey that she met "Cheib" on the mountain road who was also asking for them.
The rest of the letter talks in more detail about the strain that World War II was putting on everyone, and her hope that it would end soon, she then urges McBey to write soon as it will take so long to reach her.
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.
