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THE DETROIT INSTITUE OF ARTS
Detroit 2, Michigan 

[[left margin]] acknowledged copy sent [[/left margin]]
ARTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DETROIT
K.T. KELLER, President - ROBERT H. TANNAHILL, Vice President - SELDEN B. DAUME - CHARLES T. FISHER, JR. 
MRS. EDSEL FORD - LESLIE H. GREEN - JAMES S. WHITCOMB

EDGAR P. RICHARDSON, Director 

WM.A BOSTICK, Secretary & Business Manager
Phone TEmple 1-360
February 16, 1956

MR. Germain Seligmann 
Jaques Seligmann & Co., Inc. 
5 East 57th Street 
New York 22, New York

Dear Mr. Seligmann: 

As you may know we are planning for the spring (April 27 to June 3rd) what Mr. Richardson and I hope will be one of the most important exhibitions of the 18th century decorative arts presented in this country. The show will include a large number of great tapestries, as many pieces of furniture of the best quality we can borrow, as well as silver, porcelain, faience, and other textiles. We will show almost in its entirety the very large collection of French 18th century silver belonging to Mrs. Harvey S. Firestone, Jr. In addition, we shall have such "objets de vertu" as snuff boxes, bindings, etc. I presume that the exhibition will total about 400 objects. As you see, even in numbers, we are trying to make an impressive exhibition. 

The weakest part of the exhibition so far has been 18th furniture. We are borrowing some from museums, private collectors and dealers but it has been difficult for us to find good Regence armchairs and commodes, as well as top quality Louis XVI chairs. I do not know what your collection includes but I hear that it is quite important. Would you care to help us? As you can see, the exhibition will be as varied as possible and it will include anything in the field of decorative arts. I hope very much that you will give us your cooperation. 

Sincerely yours,
Paul L. Grigaut
Paul L. Grigaut
Chief Curator

PLG:gg

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