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475

(X) 

Feb. 20/96.

Mr. John R. Kay,
357 Ontario St., Chicago, Ill.

Dear Sir:

Earlier reply to your letter of 15th inst. prevented by my absence. I hardly know what to advise in connection with the Whistler copper plate. Judging from the impression sent me, the plate is still in moderately fair condition but of course could never give what are considered good impressions. Furthermore, considering the subject the impressions would have little if any commercial value, and the copper itself would be chiefly interesting to collectors. I believe there is one ortwo [[or two]] admirers of Whistler in this country, aside from myself, who have collected a few of his original plates. I have the entire “Thames” set of sixteen coppers as well as a few other of his most important plates. If you would like to see the plate you have added to those in my collection or to that of some one of the other American collectors, I will be pleased to aid you in whichever direction you prefer to work. 

Of course, as I view the matter, no further impressions should be taken from the plate without Whistler’s consent and approval, and judging from my late conversation with him, he is not very friendly disposed towards further impressions being made from his early plates. If you would prefer to correspond with him direct, I would be pleased to send you his address.

Accept, please, my appreciative thanks for the impression of the plate received.

Yours very truly,
Charles L. Freer 

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