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RML:R

February 19th, 1938

Dear Mr. Johnston:
I have just received a letter from Mr. R. H. Waegen who informs me that he had the pleasure of seeing you and of looking at your fine Raeburn, "Portrait of Sir Patrick Inglis". At the same time, I believe he told you something of our proposed exhibition, but allow me to explain to you a little more fully the exact nature and scope of this exhibition.

We are planning to hold a very large and important Raeburn Exhibition from March 28th to April 16th to be given for the benefit of the ADOPT A FAMILY COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF THE POOR. It is planned to charge a nominal admission during this exhibition and there is no doubt that from the response we have had so far, it promises to be one of the outstanding events of the art season here in New York.

In connection with the above, we should very much like to include your "Portrait of Sir Patrick Inglis", and were wondering if you would consent to the loan of this painting for this purpose. We should like to have all the paintings here no later than March 22nd to allow ample time for hanging and arranging the exhibition, and, of course, your picture would be returned to you directly after the close of the exhibition.

Due to the charitable nature of this enterprise, we are asking all the lenders to kindly insure their own pictures, both in transit and while on exhibit here at the galleries which would facilitate matters considerably. In many cases this involves no difficulties nor is it an extra burden as many owners already have an all-risk policy in force which would automatically insure the pictures under these conditions. I should be grateful to you for confirming this to me in writing. In addition, I am enclosing herewith a blank for cataloging and other purposes, and would be grateful if you could fill it out and return it to me at your earliest convenience. Also, if possible, I should like to have two (2) good, glossy photographs of the painting for reproduction purposes.

I do hope that we may look forward to hearing from you favorably regarding the above, and with many thanks in advance for your generous cooperation in this matter,

t.s.v.p.