Description:

White Stanford

Single page TLS, 7.75" x 10.75", on letterhead of McKim, Mead & White, 160 Fifth Avenue, New York. Signed in full signature by Stanford White who added an additional salutation of

"Give my love to the boys + everyone /Stanford White"

Dated "December 17th, 1896". Lightly toned page with blue typeset. Several small pencil point holes, and expected folds.

 

An amusing letter between turn of the century, New York Michelangelo architect extraordinaire, Stanford White, and his French partner, Mac (Frederick MacMonnies), who by the date of this letter have worked together on many projects throughout New York and abroad. Mac was the best known expatriate American sculptor of the Beaux-Arts school, as successful and lauded in France as he was in the United States. This jocular letter clearly demonstrates Mac's zealous love for French cooking, who apparently offered the suggestion of a particular Chef for Stanford White albeit one who only spoke French. But the French cooking would be superb 'N'est-ce pas?'. White's jocular response took Mac's suggestion into consideration, however he noted  "It would, however, be impossible for us to have a Frenchman in the kitchen who did not speak a word of English". His humor continues woven throughout the letter writing "I will also do everything in my power to scare up a commission for Finn …" Although little is known of James Wall Finn, we do know he was one of White's favorite decorative painters who worked with White as the artist who painted the ceiling of the Mirrored Salon, Sherry's famous Manhattan ballroom, murals for the Lyceum Theater in New York City, and designs for the west room of J. Pierpont Morgan's library. So the three worked together quite frequently.

 

The spirited letter is shown in full below:

 

"Dear Mac,

Much obliged for your letter about the Chef. It would however, be impossible for us to have a Frenchman in the kitchen who did not speak a word of English, and I think that would be the difficulty with anybody but a French family, or in a large household where there were scullions or under-cooks who talked both French and English. I have mentioned the matter to one or two of my friends, and if I find anybody will let you know.

 

I will also do everything in my power to scare up a commission for Finn, but we have no immediate decoration in hand ourselves of any kind. I tried my best to place his "Prize Fight" with one or two of the Athletic Clubs in New York, but did not succeed. However you may be sure that I will do what I can and should anything turn up I will cable.

 

Is there any chance of your coming over this year?

 

Give my love to the boys + everyone

Stanford White"

 

A fantastic piece showing Stanford White's more personable side.

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