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§ Nina Hamnett (Welsh, 1890-1956) Study of a boy signed and inscribed 'To Bob / Feb 14th 1954 / N Hamnett (upper right) red pastel on buff paper 24 x 34cm (9.5 x 13.5in); An autographed letter addressed 'Bob' to the reverse; 43 Windmill St, W1 Dear Bob Most peculiar things have happened. Why I am not yet in Brighton is for two reasons, the first is that the bastard who bought my drawing only paid me half what I asked and then gave me a post dated cheque for April 5th ! & secondly Issy Fana late [****] club has taken premises opposite and asked me to paint mural decorations on the walls, which I have done & how ! Bill dancing with two single ladies each girl apaches & boxers over life size and really they are damned good. When I get paid I am coming at once to you. Issy seems to imagine that I am going to remain permanently on the premises .. to tout for members but I ain't considerin' 'as ow my brain is capable of etc etc however you understand by the way what is a lesbian ? a pansy without a stalk! & thus there was an old widow of Filey, who valued her husband so highly, that when he was dead, she'd an umbrella head made out of his membrum virile. Well I'll wire you when I start, love from Nina.
Other Notes: Bob most probably refers to Bob Pocock, writer and friend of Nina Hamnett. Hamnett was a remarkable character whose unconventional life earned her the title, 'Queen of Bohemia'. She posed for Henri Guardier Brzeska with whom she had a love affair, as well as Modigliani and Roger Fry. She made and decorated fabrics, clothes and furniture for the Omega Workshops and as a painter, was much admired by Walter Sickert. She exhibited during World War I, and in the 1920s with the London Group and the New English Art Club. Although Bob and Nina were close friends, she was displeased after he used her for the inspiration for his character, Cynthia, in the play, 'It's Long Past Time'. It aired on the 5th December 1956 and was based on life in Charlotte Street during the 1930s. Nina felt that she had been portrayed as a pathetic and broken figure.

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