Diary extracts for Apr to May 1947

15th Apr 1947:

The Queen Elizabeth stuck on the Brambles shingle off Calshot.

We went in the evening and witnessed the tugs getting her off after this morning’s attempt had failed. A grand sight, the fog coming on just as she got off.

20th Apr 1947:

Started painting on the Northern Landscape again [Northern Landscape (1947-68-75)]

24th Apr 1947:

RA elections

We managed to get Robert Buhler in which seems a good thing. I went to his house and left a note. Later saw him outside Chelsea Arts Club after Moynihan and others had been plying him with drink.

We then elected Bawden ARA. Munnings was livid.

11th May 1947:

Have been working on several small and started larger versions of paintings: Baptism, Harlequin, Refugee, Mother and Child, Drowning Man, The Nightingale, Man Asleep in Cornfield.

13th May 1947:

Someone is kicking up a fuss about their portraits in the Churchill picture. Keeling has been writing round telling people I will give them sittings to improve their likeness!

We have come to the conclusion that the portrait of Capes the mace-bearer has stolen the picture and that is the annoyance caused to the other sitters

15th May 1947:

Telegram from Nan Kivell saying there was an offer of £75 for the `Continental Port ‘ (40x50). I decided to accept this if he consented as the picture has been everywhere and we must get rid of it.

17th May 1947:

Had a dream that I took the robin’s eggs that are in the garage nest out, and found they were stamped:   ‘Robin-a-Thrush & Co.’