BAWDEN EDWARD: (1903-1989) English painter, illustrator and graphic artist. A.L.S., Edward, four pages, oblong 8vo, Braintree, Essex, 30^th July 1957, to Michael Rothenstein. Bawden informs his correspondent that he cannot send him the reproduction of The Bull or of his portrait 'because these are in the paste-up only & no duplicates have been sent', adding that the reproductions seem good compared to the original photographs, and continuing 'The text is another matter & you ought to scan it carefully yourself. Send it back please as soon as you can because I want the least delay in getting corrected proofs to Cowells. The title page is a bit florid but I hope it is not too bad an opening: I feel that the weight & width is right & that something rich is needed to support Walter's design on the cover. The only other thing is that the introduction must be cut by 8 lines….'. In a lengthy postscript, signed with his initial E, Bawden asks Rothenstein if he has any framed prints or drawings in his studio which could be borrowed for the Basildon Arts Festival, explaining 'It's the first time Basildon has had an exhibition. I've received a S.O.S. for help & have got contributions from George [Chapman], Clifford [Webb] & Walter [Hoyle]. Basildon is a new town near Billericay & the Council & Art Society seem to have progressive cultural ideas. As it is in the county I think it is in our interest to give our support'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

 

Michael Rothenstein (1908-1993) British printmaker, painter and art teacher.