WCP3318

[1]¹

2^b

Oct 7 / 1912

Alfred Russel Wallace Esq LLD

Dear Sir

I have read your convincing letter² 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 I³ could stay in the neighbourhood of Broadstone for the purpose.

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

I am, dear Sir, | most faithfully yours | Reginald G Jennings⁴ [signature]