[ Orlando Greenwood, Lancashire artist. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Greenwood') to J. Cuming Walters, describing his background (having been born 'between Pendle and Boulsworth'), reminiscing on his childhood, and commenting on dialect.

Author: 
Orlando Greenwood (1892-1989), Lancashire artist and creator of London Underground posters [ J. Cuming Walters [ John Cuming Walters ] (1863-1933), editor of the Manchester City News ]
Publication details: 
Both on letterhead of 9 Hillmarton Road, Camden Road, N.7. 8 December 1929 and 31 October 1930.
£200.00
SKU: 20208

Both items in fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE: 8 December 1929. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. He begins by stating that he has read Walters' 'Charm of Lancashire' with great enjoyment, and considers it one 'of which every Lancashire family and lover of the county should possess a copy'. He continues: 'I myself was born between Pendle and Boulsworth. My Father's stock farmed around Trawden and the Boulsworth side, and my mother's around Blacko and the Pendle slopes, so your section devoted to this locality has an especial attraction for me. Many an afternoon as a boy have I waded i'thwatter-gait at Barrowford, and higher up at Roughlee.' As an 'animadversion' on Walters' book, he corrects his use of a dialect phrase: 'Out o't'gait! Is a colloquialism frequently heard in that locality, “gait” signifying “way”; watter-gait – water-way: but water-gate is like saying water-door, or barrier, or obstacle, whereas the other signification is intended.' He points out a 'printers error', and then states that he has 'written to several of my friends up north and recommended them to secure for themselves a copy of “The Charm of Lancashire”'. He ends with news of an exhibition he will be having at Eastertime, at which 'there will be one or two pictures in which Pendle looms in the background'. Pencil note at foot of letter: 'This is Orlando Greenwood – a Painter in Oils'. TWO: 31 October 1930. 1p., 12mo. He thanks him for 'the notice of the publication of “Romantic Cheshire”, informs him that he has ordered the book, and wishes him 'all the success that you had with your book on Lancashire'. According to one authority: 'Orlando Greenwood was born in Nelson, Lancashire. He studied at Goldsmiths’ College of Art, his studies interrupted by the First World War, when he was conscripted into the Royal Engineers. | His first major exhibition was held at Spinks, London in 1925, which was reported as “a triumph” by the Daily Mail. | Greenwood became a full member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1922, and exhibited at the Royal Academy 1920-1933, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, as well as widely across London at Colnaghi, Beaux Arts Gallery, The Groupil Salon Gallery, and the Leicester and Grosvenor Galleries. A centenary exhibition was held at The Bloomsbury Workshop in 1992. | Greenwood completed iconic poster designs for the London Underground and the Great Western Railway, and designs for London shops such as Liberty and Whiteleys. | His works can be found in numerous public collections in the UK including Manchester City Galleries, Towneley Hall Art Gallery & Museum, Harris Museum & Art Gallery and Grundy Art Gallery.'