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18 Franklin avenue
Croton on Hudson, N.Y.
10520
April 20, 1970

Mr. Robert Carlen
323 South 16th Street
Philadelphia, Pa.

Dear Mr. Carlen:

For some years now Romare Bearden, the well-known artist, and I -- a professional writer -- have been at work on a history of American artists of African descent. It will be published by Doubleday.

Among these artists, Horace Pippin was unique. Your relationship with him seems to have been helpful and stimulating.

We have a lot of questions that we'd like to ask -- such as how you came to handle his work, what the attitudes of your clientele were towards this black man, attitudes of others -- such as critics, questions about his own relationships with other artists and the black people. And did anyone in Philadelphia mention Tanner when Pippin came along? Barnes' essay would seem to reflect a complete ignorance of Tanner.

Of course, a lot of things have changed since those days.

We are familiar with Rodman's book and the reviews of it. My own personal interest in his work was stimulated by being the editor who handled the story on Pippin in Friday magazine, which you may recall. 1941.

We are also familiar with the 1966 show of Pippin, Kane and Hicks.

Assuming that you still own it, may we have your permission to reproduce "Losing the Way?"

If it would be agreeable to you, I should like to phone you at your home some evening. It might help us sort out some of the things that we need to do with a minimum of thrashing out. I suggest this because during the day I am constantly interrupted. If you find this agreeable, I'd appreciate it if you'd set a time at your convenience.

I enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope torfacilitate your response.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Harry Henderson 
Harry Henderson