Crane replied:
“Watts was a most revered and generous friend of mine, I can truly say, but as to Whistler, I never saw much of him, but I always recognised his artistic qualities, though I was not of his school. I think he regarded me as necessarily in a hostile camp, artistically speaking, but it was not so. I can appreciate Impressionism without decrying pre-Raphaelitism. As regards Whistler and the Peacock Room, there was a panel at the end with two peacocks (one with a diamond eye and one with an emerald eye) fighting. Whistler is reported to have said that the one who is getting the worst of it was Leyland and the conqueror was himself. (Of course.)
“We were not intimate friends—only acquainted. Although I always realised his distinction as an artist, I could not extend my admiration to the man, and I think he only cared for worshippers and even these he tired of.”
One of my cherished possessions is the book-plate here shown which Walter Crane designed for me. He is probably the best Ex Libris draughtsman of the day, and he himself thinks this is the best book-plate he ever drew. At his request it was reproduced on wood, and while it has delighted its possessor, it will surely be admired by all for its intrinsic merit.
To explain the riddle of its symbolism.
On the right-hand side is the crest of the Harleys; on the left, the arms of the Tweedies. At the top the Medusa head and three legs represent Sicily. At different corners are implements, trappings, and odds and ends from various countries I have visited. The lamp of learning is burning brightly, the wreaths of fame, the book of knowledge are there, and a little ship is sailing away into the unknown; while below—and surely this is brilliant imagination—lies the world at my feet. This was sent to me with the following letter, written in the neatest and most brush-like of caligraphy:
“13 Holland Street, Kensington.
“Nov. 12, ’05.
“Dear Mrs. Alec Tweedie,
“I have pleasure to send you my design for a book-plate in which I have endeavoured to explain in symbolical way your literary activities and your triumphs of travel.
“Trusting it may not be unpleasing, believe me, with kind regards,