WCP6555

[1]

Old Orchard,

Broadstone,

Dorset.

Sept^r 29th. 1913

Private & Confidential

Dear Mr Marchant

Some years ago, I think soon after I had been in London at the Darwin celebrations (or perhaps before) when I was unwell and rather tired of medals photos &c &c. there came a request for me to give Mr Collier sittings for a portrait. I think a number (5 or 6) sitting were asked for. My impression is, that they were asked for by Collier himself for an exhibition picture, but not [2] ^specifically for any of the Societies I belong to — on the chance of its sale by the artist. I therefore at once declined the offer. My family all think it was at the instance of some Scientific Society.

Can you ascertain in the course of conversation with Collier the details of this, as I think it possible I may have declined rather abruptly & perhaps Collier may have felt hurt. [3]

Now there are one or two things I want to say as to this ^proposed portrait, if it comes through. To begin with, I rather feel myself to be a fraud, as regards the Roy. Society, because after being elected a Fellow at the instance of friends & without any expense to myself, I was quite unable to write anything for the Society, so that my name does not appear among its contributors at all!

Another matter is, as to the portrait itself. If it is [4] accepted by the Roy. Soc. neither I myself nor any of my family or many of my friends may ever see it? What I wish to suggest privately, is, that the R.S. should allow the painting to be photographed in order to permit all my friends who wish it to have a copy at a cost to cover its expenses, the negatives then to be destroyed.

Prof. Poulton would probably be able to arrange for this?

The story of the former application you can tell me at your leisure.

Yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]