1991.1016.28.2

May Morris (designer)

Undated letter from May Morris to Emery Walker, Found on the book The Defence of Guinevere, by Morris, William when acquired by the museum, shelf C7. Part of the Emery Walker Library.

London

Letter from May Morris to Emery Walker (undated) Monday Dear Emery I have decided to go back to first edition as closely as possible in Guenevere – dashes and all. I do hope you agree with me that this is best – I don’t see how one can take half measures. Of course, I shan’t satisfy everyone in so doing: but it is a safe thing, and, I think, the best. K is a Donkey, and I suffer him half-sadly, half-gladly. Between his folks him and me, a Guenevere proof has gone to the printers’ with heaven knows how many corrections on his own account, and two very stupid directions to “run on” a page, which will give work, and I fear I must alter. I think it is cheek. I have asked Longmans (on your ‘phone) with much discretion to phone to the Press to stop work on the revise till they hear from us – if that is any good. I wish I had been asked about the setting of the Hollow Land, as I would rather it had not been quite so solid. But it must go as it is, now. Mackail[i] agrees about being very, very careful over altering stops &/c. He also was strong about going by 1858 Guenevere. I must talk to you about the unpublished things – Mackail has strong views, and of course I consider them as the views of an expert. I believe you are dining out tonight Are you free tomorrow? I can’t feed you, as we are wallowing in paint. I am that tired! Yours M.M[ii]. Please: a matter of etiquette – The Lord Mayor invites Mrs Wm Morris & friend to a gathering. I suppose in declining for her, I can’t well say May I come instead!? Footnotes: [i]John William Mackail (1859 – 1945), literary historian and biographer of, inter alia, William Morris. [ii] May Morris (1862 – 1938), artisan, embroiderer and the daughter of William Morris. She was a close friend of Emery Walker and family. CAW]