Detail from The Canal, Amsterdam, 1889, James McNeill Whistler, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

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M.1446
Design for a sign for 'Mr Whistler's Lithographs'

Artist: James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1895
Collection: Glasgow University Library
Accession Number: MS Whistler LB 3/38
Medium: pen, black ink and pencil
Support: cream card
Size: 3 7/16 x 4 1/2" (88 x 115 mm)
Signature: butterfly
Inscription: letter from Whistler to M. B. Huish

Design for a sign for 'Mr Whistler's Lithographs'

Composition

Design for a sign for 'Mr Whistler's Lithographs', Glasgow University Library
Design for a sign for 'Mr Whistler's Lithographs', Glasgow University Library

The relevant part of the accompanying letter reads

'Enclosed sketch for signs - which I would have nearly square - as shown by the two vertical lines, which would be its limits -

Also have it White - and the lettering & Butterfly Black - the whole thing being varnished -

This arrangement I would not like you to use for any one else.' 1

Notes:

1: [17 November 1895], GUW #02975.

Last updated: 6th March 2021 by Margaret