Kunstgewerbler, Dichter und Volkskundler (1824-1903). Autograph letter signed ("Charles G. Leland"). Philadelphia. 11.05.1882. 2 SS. auf gefalt. Doppelblatt. 8vo.
$ 1,603 / 1.500 €
(41012/BN21494)
To Oscar Wilde: "I can never thank you as you deserve for the good you have done the great cause of Art Education - and to me as one of its humble teachers. You made a great sensation among all those in Philadelphia who knew anything of the school. As soon as your lecture had ended a flock of young artless-Artfull female dodgers - who had heard you came directly to the school which they had never visited before. Nothing has occurred since my return to America which has gratified me as such. I have been a very sincere friend of yours from the first, and have even of old in London fought for you against odds - more both there and here than you ever supposed.
Take all the abuse cooly - it is the best peach which is most stung by the wasps. There is a lady in New York, Mrs Blodgett, President of the Ladies' Decorative Art Association, whom you should really know. The NY Association is an immense 'institution' working miracles in encouraging Decorative Art, and Mrs Blodgett intends to use it to introduce my system into the public schools. I expect to have in time 105,000 pupils (the numbering in our schools). Mrs B. will have many more. If you could contrive to see her, you could do much to aid. A few words of interest from you would do good. Her address is No. 11 East 12th Street, New York [...]". - Slightly wrinkled..