Sir John Alfred Arnesby Brown, R.A. (1866-1955)

The letters accompanying the present work offer an insight into Arnesby Brown's selling practices.

26 April 1927
Dear Lumley-Ellis,
Thanks for yours. I have not sold the "Cattle in Snow", which has not been seen by anyone since the day you saw it - It has been sent down to Haddiscoe, where I follow it on Monday. It was rather a temptation to send it to the RA, as it was so nearly finished, but I felt that with just a little more work, it would be one of the best things I have ever done. My price would be £350. We were so sorry not to be able to come down, but this time is always a bit of a rush for us.
Hope to see you on Friday at the Academy
V. Sincerely
Arnesby Brown

Arnesby Brown must have had a sudden change of heart as another note was dashed off shortly after the first letter to catch the next post.

Dear Lumley-Ellis
On second thoughts, I am prepared to take 300 gn for that picture, selling it direct from the studio - £350 is the price I should expect to get in an exhibition
Yours sincerely
Arnesby Brown