La Blanchisseuse, Dieppe probably dates from the summer or autumn of 1899, when Whistler was in Dieppe. He was particularly impressed by the way in which the Dieppe laundresses treated his linen, and contrasted it with the treatment it received in London.

'I just wish M'ame you could see my linen as I appear now at the table! - Madame Lefeve [sic] has given the washing to one of these wonderful Blanchiseuses [sic] here - and my shirts are gotten up like the Prince Poniatowski's !!! - and look like lawn! - "Tout à fait comme celles de Monsieur le Prince!" says Madame Lefèvre. with affection! - and certainly such laundry work M'ame, is unknown in the Island!' 1