The Leicester Galleries
- Sta.—May I be allowed, in the interests of present as well as future historians of English art history, to correct an extraordinary and rash statement in Mr. Derek Hill's letter to the effect that " first exhibitions" in London of Cezanne, Picasso and Klee were held at the Leicester Galleries. I realise, of course, that as a " young painter " Mr. Hill felt the death of his dealer intensely. Yet even in a posthumous- tribute there. is a need for accuracy. -- The meaning of the phrase " first exhibitions " is of course unclear, but I shall interpret it literally. The following facts are then of some importance: (i). The first London exhibition of Cezanne was that organised by M. Durand-Rue' at the Grafton Gallery in 1905 (ten works). In 1910 Ceianne was shown for a second time at the first Post-Impressionist Exhibition (some twenty works). The Leicester Galleries did not hold a Cezanne exhibition until 1925.
(ii) Some twenty works by Picasso were shown in 1912 at the second : Post-Impressionist Exhibition. And in the same year Picasso's -first one- man exhibition was held at the Stafford Gallery. The Leicester Galleries' did not hOld a Picasso exhibition until 1921.
(iii) The" first two exhibitions in London of works by Klee were held at Me_ Mayor Gallery in 1933 and 1935. The Leicester Galleries did not hold",a :pee. exhibition until 1940. - I am, Sir, yours faithfully,
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