Thomas Woolner letter to John Frederick Lewis, 1874 November 22

"Nov 22 '74. My dear Mr Lewis, A letter from you comes like the sun thro' this dingy abomination called fog. It would have shocked me had I known such an idea as coming here this weather had even entered your head as a possibility. So far as I am concerned, election to R. A-ship is a point of no great consequence, as I care nothing for fancy titles, and do not like my time to be taken up by Council meetings, and A.R.A.-ship suits me very well indeed, as I get most of the fun and only a little of the work; indeed none, except teaching in the Life School, which I like. But whether I am elected or whether I am not, I would rather have had your kind and hearty letter, or your solitary vote, than nearly the whole voting of the Academy without it, or with yours in antagonism. - I am delighted to know that you can still work a little, but it is very sad to think of your not being able to walk about comfortably. - I was going off to Venice tomorrow, but the friend with whom I travel caught a sore throat and now I have to wait till his Dr lets him off. - Except a fortnight in the spring in Paris with my wife I have had no holiday this year and begin to feel stupid from constant work on monstrous statues. - I gave your message to my wife; she was greatly pleased and told me whatever I said in return to "imply admiration" - for you must know that she is as great an enthusiast for your work as I am myself. Hoping for you all good, every truly yours T. Woolner." See: Thomas Woolner, R.A., sculptor and poet, page 300.