Viewing page 120 of 127

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

December 15, 1965

Dear Mr. Friedrich:

No doubt Robert Indiana told you of correspondence from Schmela (regarding an exhibition of his work) prior to your visit to New York. Your letter arrived today, just one day after we signed a contract regarding Indiana with Schmela.  There were several reasons for this decision, the first and main one being that Mr. Schmela could give the exhibition in March of this coming year, making it unnecessary to hold the paintings in abeyance for almost ten months. Secondly, even though I was aware of your sincere interest in Indiana's work, you had not brought up the subject of contract, prices and other details pertinent to gallery and museum exhibitions in Europe. Thirdly, it was well over a month before we got your letter of today, so that I could not be really certain of your continued interest. I do hope this will not preclude your giving an exhibition to Indiana at some future date. It occurs to me that if Mr. Schmela sends the exhibition to other galleries besides museums, it would be very nice indeed if you could cooperate with him. At any rate, if you are interested, you might tell him of my suggestion.

I think because of our not being able to make your desired arrangement with Indiana, it has mitigated my feeling about the Twombly, and I will let you have it for the $1,500.00. Please let me know how and when you would like it shipped.

With my warmest wishes to you and Six for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I am, 

Sincerely yours,

Eleanor Ward
Director