Note 35 — Chapter II · ToC
Reading edition
See List of Illustrations: reproduction from sketch in Leighton House.
Mr. Frith, R.A., wrote the following respecting the rejection of "Salome":—
10 Pembridge Villas, Bayswater, W., April 29, 1863.
My dear Leighton,—We have been unable to hang one of your best pictures—not because it was an excellent work, as the profane world would say—but because we had already placed so many of your pictures that the space due to Leighton was more than exhausted. M.C. Mortlake called us over the coals dreadfully on your behalf, but I, for one, resisted his arguments, and I believe you have to blame me for your picture being returned to you. I should have said nothing about the matter, but for the fear that I might be thought so stupid as not to see the merit of your work. Pray believe that my motive was a good one, and that I have tried to do what is right to you and to the rest.—Ever, dear Leighton, faithfully yours,
W.P. Frith.