Letters

Cecilia Beaux, Self-Portrait, 1894, National Academy Museum, New York

Following is correspondence forwarded to me by our NAWA Vice President Susan Hammond. As you can see, the letter to Executive Director Jill Baratta and forwarded to Susan was sent from none other than Bettina Blake, the daughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton Blake and the granddaughter of the great Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who made history with her battle for Women’s Rights. Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942) who is mentioned was a recognized painter and member of NAWA in its early days. She was an American society portraitist, whose subjects included First Lady Edith Roosevelt, Admiral Sir David Beatty and Georges Clemenceau.  Margot Tishman Linton (1930-2022) was a leader for decades of the American Federation of the Arts, (AFA), founding their travel program and dedicated to bringing great works of art to the public.  (SB)

June 16, 2020

Hello Jill,

Thank you for the catalogue of the 2021 Annual to add to my collection.  I’m 92 now & slower than ever getting around with my walker.  I like the Artist of the Day initiative!  Best wishes to Susan Hammond!

Bettina Blake, daughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton Blake

June 21, 2022

Hi Susan,

Delighted to know NAWA is at the Nat’l Arts Club.  Wasn’t that where Cecilia Beaux used to stay when she came up from Philadelphia?  She came every few Saturdays to do criticisms for my mother’s art classes in the 1920s.

I recently learned of the death of a HS classmate of mine, Margot Tishman Linton (of the Tishman real estate family); I did not know that she was very active in the contemporary art world & chaired the Bd. of Trustees of the AFA.  Have you heard of her?  I assume that NAWA is aware of Margot’s role & importance.  I might be able to find out more if NAWA is interested.

(Bettina Blake)

June 21, 2022

Hi Bettina,

Thank you so much for keeping in touch.  Yes, I believe Cecelia Beaux did stay at the National Arts Club.  What an interesting story about her and your mother’s art classes.

I received the Obituary notification about Margot Tishman Linton that you sent.  I didn’t know how active she was in the art world and was on the Board of AFA.  Interesting.  Yes, I did hear of her, but did not have any background information on her. It might be an interesting article in the NAWA magazine that comes out quarterly.  I am copying Sandra Bertrand on this email and it would be wonderful if you contacted her and sent her info about Margot Tishman Linton.

Have a wonderful day, and keep in touch.

Regards,

Susan G. Hammond