Library and Archive Reading Rooms
View by appointment- Created by
- Erich Kahn 1904–1979
- Recipient
- Dr J. P. Hodin
- Title
- Letter from Erich Kahn to J.P. Hodin
- Date
- 14 August 1977
- Format
- Document - correspondence
- Collection
- Tate Archive
- Acquisition
- Accepted by HM Government in lieu of inheritance tax and allocated to Tate, 2006. Accrual presented by Annabel Hodin, 2020
- Reference
- TGA 20062/4/188/82
Description
[Translation/transcription]
1 Albert Studios
20 Albert Street
NW1
14 August 1977
Dear Pepi,
How long, how often have I wanted to write or at least send a drawing, as a sign that I’m still here and out of gratitude that you still think of me. Now, the month of August – when the stork seems to have been particularly busy, or at least was in our day – has made me quite [illegible]; I mustn’t fail to [illegible]. My very best wishes and every conceivable good thing on your birthday.
I’m inviting injury: with one foot in the grave I’ve started some new paintings (though I can’t see a thing) and overpainted some old ones. My old doctor does what he can to help me survive my periods of exhaustion, whereas the painting – while the summer lasts – is detrimental to my health. But I won’t give up while it’s still warm. There’s so little time. I can’t get up early, and so the inspiration of the morning is lost.
I’m so hopelessly isolated that I’m unable to write about anything other than myself – a most uninteresting subject.
My friend John Levy died in December. His heirs sent back several paintings of mine that he [illegible] had. Among them, erroneously, is one by Feigl: an arcadian landscape with arcadian shepherds.
The whole studio is now a mixture of old and new, infirmary and nursing home.
Well, all the best once again, and kind regards to the two of you – I would so like to see you both!
Erich
Archive context
- Papers of Josef Paul Hodin TGA 20062 (407)
-
- Correspondence by sender TGA 20062/4 (275)
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- Letters and postcards from Erich Kahn to J.P. and Pamela Hodin TGA 20062/4/188 (111)
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- Letter from Erich Kahn to J.P. Hodin TGA 20062/4/188/82