Viewing page 5 of 24

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
NATIONAL COLLECTION OF FINE ARTS
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
CONSTITUTION AVENUE AT TENTH STREET

March 28, 1960

Mr. Peter Pollock
50 West 67th Street
New York, New York

Dear Peter:

I phoned Mr. Fleischman this past Saturday and was gratified to hear that he had received favorable reports about the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service. He had told Eleanor Powell that he was in favor of letting us circulate a selection from his contemporary American paintings. On Saturday he was wavering and mentioned again that he could not lend the older American paintings.

Since this is a most important exhibition for us, I did my best to make suggestions which would ease his decision in our favor. I definitely told him that we did not wish anything before the 20th century, possibly 50 paintings and water-colors beginning with John Marin or another "pioneer." Also I offered him the choice of places where he would like to exhibit the show, and we would then try those first. I also proposed a "limited tour" of possibly six museums instead of the usual ten. At any rate, this will not be a "first come, first served" affair but a completely planned circuit of what might be called reliable museums with whom we have been dealing for endless years.

I am writing you this in the hope that you will once more speak to him on our behalf. The announcement is actually ready and the catalogue has gone to the printer. If we get his permission later this week, we can include the show in the first proof, which we would absolutely love to do.

With many thanks for your help and kindest regards,

Sincerely yours,

Annemarie

Mrs. John A. Pope, Chief
Traveling Exhibition Service