| Description | Letter dated 27 February 1881 to Macdonald from George Reid, R.S.A., 7 Warwick Gardens, Kensington, London, thanking for the photographs of Millais, problems with Post Office over some items, abortive visit to Millais, exhibition of his work, 'He is out of all sight the biggest name going just now', portrait of 'Sir B.F.' [probably Sir Bartle Frere, d.1884, first Governor of Bombay], dinner at the Arts Club with McLean the sculptor, Hunter, and McWhirter, Cameron and Phil Harris, visit to Charles Keene, 'there he was with his legs stuffed into a pair of top books, trousers and all, like a back woodsman' (with sketch), unflattering description of his rooms which he likens to a pawn shop, sketch of them sitting by the fire, offer of whisky Macdonald sent him, 'What a queer, quaint, delightful fellow he is!', rumour that Watts' sight is failing, portrait of Nasmyth, who talks a great deal, plans for portraits of the Lord President and of Colonel Farquharson, improvements in Dr. Smiles, nothing to appeal to Macdonald in Mr. Walker's pictures 'I am very sorry for him - it is truly a hard case', visit from Col. Allardyce. |