French precision
Sir: I was interested to read Martin Bailey's excellent review of the Monet and van Gogh exhibitions in Vienna (Arts, 30 March).
Whilst making a portrait of Carel Weight about five years ago, he told me the follow- ing story about Monet and his London paintings. On completing his Savoy London paintings, Monet visited the Leicester Gallery (now no more) and suggested to Mr Brown, then director, that he would like to show his paintings in London, perhaps at his gallery, before returning to France, but that he wasn't sure if his gallery walls were large enough. Mr Brown replied to the effect that he would be delighted, and was sure he could very well accommodate the paintings. Early the next day, Monet returned to the gallery and, taking a mea- suring tape from his pocket, carefully mea- sured the gallery walls and, on completing his notes and sums, returned the tape to his pocket, turned to the watching Mr Brown and remarked: Not quite large enough, Mr Brown. Good morning!' and left. Carel Weight commented: 'The French artists, you see, know precisely what they want.' Leonard McComb
Keeper, Royal Academy of Arts, London W1
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