Diary extracts for Jul to August 1942
3rd Jul 1942:
Kenneth Clark's dinner for Dickey’s retirement as secretary to the War Artists’ Committee.
. . . I enjoyed it all thoroughly.
9th Jul 1942:
Tirpitz torpedoed.
. . . Let’s hope it will be put out of action for a bit.
18th Jul 1942:
Began again after 2yrs the Two Bridges at low tide (24x42)
8th Aug 1942:
A charming letter from Gleadowe from the Admiralty saying how pleased the war artists’ committee are with the three latest paintings (Portsmouth Blitz, Vaagso, and Rescue of Shipwrecked Crew by Destroyer) and that if I had heard the remarks made I would be most encouraged, and they consider themselves lucky to have such a painter. So this is good news after a day of profound depression. I am considering painting a head of Mozart on an old cupboard panel . . .
11th Aug 1942:
"Head of Enver" by Epstein for Mavis’ 35th birthday for £75 . . . looks magnificent. We are lucky to have it.
29th Aug 1942:
Busy on the Prodigal Son transcription on old table top. After Rembrandt’s picture in the Hermitage. To be called “Meditation on a theme of Rembrandt” [but became known as "The Prodigal Son, after Rembrandt", the title in the Redfern catalogue.]