Elizabeth-Roemes

Jan. 9, 1947

Dear Mary,

For some time I have been intending to write you about the screen, that John Flannagan

Painted in the early years of his acquaintance with Tinck. As a token of gratitude for Tinck’s help. So far as remember he found Flannagan on a park bench – Got interested

In him, took him home, cleaned him up, and eventually got him a drafting job with the Inter Church etc. Where Tinch was working at the time. And later got him out to Bangeur, which was not quite a success. But Dr. Davies liked him and Arthur B. Davies

Got interested in him, and arranged for a exhibit at Macbeth Gallery- in connection with his own. As you know Flannagan was a very difficult individual, introverted and supersensitive (inflated) He got to drinking badly – eventually married and ended up doing away with himself. He gained gradually a great deal of recognition & almost fame by his Rhone Sculpture. Which he started while living in the South Mountain Carver at Guyers.

I don’t know why I am writing all this, but old memories keep cropping up.

Interesting but not always cheerful. And you are probably familiar with more of it.

The girt of it is – Do you want the Screen? I have always love it, and Flannagan himself

Admitted some years later – that it was a fine piece of work – but he couldn’t understand why he even painted it. He was rejecting all his old friends at that time, including Tinck and myself.

Though as I said before it has been in my mind for some years to sent it to you if you want it. The fact that I really haven’t any place for it brings it to the family. I have had a few things sent over from my old home in Copenhagen, Which it is difficult to find place for it. I’ve cramped space in my small apartment. When I couldn’t bring myself to sell them.

I think I told you I was in Copenhagen last summer, chiefly to settle affairs., as I am the

Last one of a large family.

It was so nice to get to the good news about Anne. To think that she is off to college. One almost feels it is time to take a back step – and let things pass on to the young ones.

By this I mean that Annie probably would like it. Thought she could have the early

Association which means a great deal to both of us.

Won’t you let me know as soon as possible if you want it – I will have it packed and sent express. It is in good condition, only one tear in the canvas. Which was there when I got it. Let me hear from you what you think.

With my love,

Affectionately Elizabeth

Screen – oil on paper

Board (partly glazed over)