WCP3318

[1]

Oct 7 / 1912

Alfred Russel Wallace Esq LLD

Dear Sir

I have read your convincing letter with great pleasure, and your last sentence seems to me conclusive that the production of life could never in the nature of things be a matter of ocular evidence or of demonstation: and thus the whole controversy, as I believe you imply,[2] becomes purely metaphysical and futile.

I have been meditating an inquiry as to whether your portrait has ever been painted with a view to its inclusion in our national collection of portraits. This is a matter which I should be greatly honoured to interest myself in if you could see your way to granting me[3] a few sittings.

If this work has not been done already, may I ask whether it is possible that you might spare me the time, for instance during a week end interval between Friday and Tuesday when I could stay in the neighbourhood of Broadstone¹ for the purpose.

My work has appeared at many public galleries and at the Royal Academy² and is best known in[4] the field of portraiture.

I am, dear sir,

Most respectfully yours | Reginald G Jennings³ [signature]