Diary extracts for Mar to May 1938
9th Mar 1938:
Went to Christopher Wood Exhibition. Rex Nan Kivell sent £5 to pay for Richard and Mavis to go to it. They also fitted in Modern Primitives at Tooths, Schotts for recorder music, Lafayettes for fabric for Mavis, and 17thc Art at RA.
10th Apr 1938:
Mavis planned to open a small school in their home, Appletreewick.
. . . making tables for Mavis’ school. Three tables, cut down 5 chairs, and made a blackboard of green lino on 6-ply wood fixed to the wall.
30th Apr 1938:
In Southend visiting Mavis’ family
Very much amused at Statue of Queen Victoria pointing imperiously at the Gents lavatory.
4th May 1938:
Met Sydney Schiff at the Gallery [Redfern] in the afternoon. He is unfortunately very deaf, but got on better when we had tea with him.
He is a fine old bird, having known artists such as Epstein, Gaudier etc. long before they were public property.
Went to ‘The Insect Play’ by the brothers Capek in the evening and enjoyed it very much.
5th May 1938:
Private View day:
Sybil Andrews called in the morning and says she is coming to live near us, Norley Wood, Lymington.
In afternoon had a big crowd of folk, all of whom seemed impressed. Wadsworth came in and we had a good conversation. He says my show is ‘Bloody fine’! I like him very much.
The long ‘Porthleven’ and ‘Venus’ at West Bay was sold for £100 to Dudley Tooth.
The catalogue is very well got up with three reproductions.
7th May 1938:
The Pacifist Convention in Southampton in the afternoon and evening. Mavis helped the Popes to decorate the platform. George Lansbury spoke magnificently. In fact the meeting was considered a great success.
Crispin talking in a queer high pitched voice! I think he must get it from Mother!’
15th May 1938:
Mavis started a nursery school department!