Morgan O’Driscoll ‘Off the Wall’ Online Art Auction. Bidding Ends Tuesday 31st October 2023. Between 6.30 pm & 11.55 pm.

Lot: 83.

Title: Begging Letter, Arts Club, London.

Signed lower right by Orpen.

Medium: printed letter.

Size: 25 x 20.30 centimeters (9.8 x 8 inches).

Framed Size: 49 x 44.5 centimeters (19.3 x 17.5 inches).

Provenance: Private Collection.

Estimate: €400 – €600.

UPDATE, SOLD FOR €480 (Hammer Price).

Transcription:

9th July 1928.

“My dear Sir, Please forgive me, I am writing for money. I am begging! I know it, and I don’t like it! But I’ve got to, as I have been elected by the Arts Club, London, to act for them as Steward for The Artist’s General Benevolent Institution 1928.9. Which really means, collect all the money I can for this worthy charity. Will you help me? Yes, please!

Yours Sincerely, William Orpen.

N.B. All cheques to be made payable to me, please”.

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Post by Dominic Lee, Orpen Research Archives.