"Poster" work is in a strong position, too, in this manner, and here I must again refrain from individualising its chief exponents.
One word also in praise of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, and the work of its members, of whom it is only necessary to read down the list to realise how representative it is, and where I am proud to have contributed my latest portrait in oil—that of Mr. M. P. Grace, the present occupant of "Battle Abbey," my ambition now being to devote a far greater portion of my time to strict portraiture.
From a life-size oil picture painted by Leslie Ward, 1914. M. P. GRACE, ESQ., BATTLE ABBEY.
Praise is as acceptable to an artist as to any other worker, and in addition to the kindly tributes of my personal friends I should like to express appreciation for those I have received from strangers. I was particularly gratified to receive the following letter:—
"Nov. 19th, 1904.
"My dear Sir,
"As a reader of 'Vanity Fair,' I much desire to take the opportunity of wishing you many happy returns for your birthday on Monday, and of sending you a few cordial and sincere words of greeting for that occasion. I suppose you will receive many such messages from friends both known and unknown, whilst others not caring to trouble you will at least think upon your name with much respect, and with such thoughts will couple expressions of good will.
"This is, of course, quite as it should be, and, personally, I would assure you of my very high esteem and regard. I thank you most sincerely for the pleasure your cartoons ever gave me, and for the successful part you take in making 'Vanity Fair' such a splendid publication. I read much, owing to indifferent health precluding my indulgence in vigorous exercise of any kind, thereby necessitating my leisure being spent in quiet and instructive pastimes—such as a study of art, literature, and music.
"I would express in all sincerity my fervent hope that every happiness and joy this world can possibly give may be yours to enjoy, with an entire lack of all that tends in any way to cause trouble or promote pain. Particularly do I wish you excellent health. Nothing, I feel sure, adds to or detracts more from life than the physical state—hence my remark. May all good luck and fortune attend you, and permit you to continue for many years yet your splendid work as an artist. Somehow I feel that words are quite inadequate to express all that is in one's heart to say. I can only ask you, therefore, my dear Sir, to accept my poorly expressed words as heartfelt and sincere, and believe them to come from one who takes the keenest interest in yourself and your fine work.
"Can you kindly oblige by replying to the two following questions for me:—"1. Where may a brief and authentic sketch of your life and career be found? I much desire to have the opportunity of perusing such.
"2. Also may I enquire where a good portrait of yourself may be procured? I am anxious to have a good one for framing, as a slight personal 'memento' (if I may so call it) of one whose work greatly interests me.
"Wishing you again many happy returns, offering you my sincerest congratulations, and hoping you are well,
"I am, my dear Sir,
"Very sincerely yours,
"A Reader of 'Vanity Fair.'
"Leslie Ward, Esq., 'Spy.'"
So kind a letter I naturally preserve with gratification.
POSTSCRIPT.
In March last, and for the two months that I spent in the Empire Hospital, Vincent Square, I received from Mr. Jocelyn Swan and Mr. Reginald Ingram the best surgical and medical skill that man could wish for. The hospital itself, which is for paying patients (excepting during the war, in the cases of military officers), and which contains a number of comfortable private rooms, is perfectly managed. Then it was that a combination of Brighton air and a delightfully conducted nursing home hastened my convalescence and quickly gave me the desire to work again.