William Orpen Scrapbook 1
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Description
Scrapbook album embossed with the 'Album Memento' logo. Inside front cover bears a handwritten label, dated as 1990, in which one of the Orpen children has written 'I'm sorry to say most of the cuttings in this book were pasted on by Mrs Smythe (Daddy's housekeeper at the studio, with her husband 'Bob'), using some fairly awful paste hence condition. [DEO]'. Scrapbook contains news cuttings, photographs, and letters detailing William Orpen's life and career. Includes articles on Orpen's health, his portrait paintings and their reception, his family members, notably his daughter Kit, his exhibitions, and his war work, particularly his portrait 'To the Unknown British Soldier in France'. Cuttings include a large number of printed reproductions of Orpen's paintings. Photographs include a depiction of Orpen in military uniform; a photograph of Orpen with Eugene Grossrieter (“Chester”), second chef at the Hotel Chatham, Paris, who featured in Orpen's painting, Le Chef de l'Hôtel Chatham, Paris, 1921; a photograph of the artist standing by a postered wall; a photograph of Orpen seated, and two photographs showing Orpen at work in his studio, on a portrait of a male sitter, and on his 'Unknown British Soldier' painting. Letters include correspondence from members of the public and Orpen's peers concerning his 'Unknown British Soldier' painting and its exhibition in 1923. There is a letter from Irish artist Grace Gifford, writing from Kilmainham Jail (14 February 1923), asking Orpen to send here roller skates, and there is a letter from Buckingham Palace asking after a picture Orpen is thought to have painted of the King 'decorating Douglas Haig' (14 November 1922).
Creator
Orpen, Sir William, 1878-1931
Related topics
| Title | William Orpen Scrapbook 1 |
|---|---|
| Creator | Orpen, Sir William, 1878-1931 |
| Date | [1919-1923] |
| Type | Component |
| Ref | IE NGI/IA/ORP1/5/5/1 |
| Level | Item |
| Condition | Scrapbook shows evidence of extreme wear and tear and discolouration evident throughout. |
| Language | English |
| Extent | 100pp |
Archive view
IE NGI/IA/ORP1/5/5/1 This record