Barbara HEPWORTH (1903-1975) & John WELLS (1907-2000) Letters from Hepworth & Wells to Dr Roger Slack An interesting archive written to Dr Roger Slack and his wife Janet. Hepworth was both a patient of Slack's and a close personal friend. John Wells lived in Newlyn but was very closely involved in the artistic circles of St Ives and had been a GP himself.
Consisting: 30th January 1964, two typed sheets, Trewyn Studio paper. Thanking Roger for allowing her to listen to his tape recordings (on Alfred Wallis) which she believes to be of great historical value and discussing the possibility having them transcribed, and that had he considered a book on Alfred Wallis? to cover the aspects that she felt, Sven Berlin's book did not, etc. Included is a typed copy of Ben Nicholson's 1943 article on Alfred Wallis (three pages, large format) Letter (undated but probably 1965) handwritten, one full page, Trewyn Studio notepaper. Asking Roger if Barbara's friend John Mills (writer, critic) could listen to Roger's recordings about Alfred Wallis
16th July 1965, handwritten on Trewyn Studio small notepaper, confirming Roger & Janet Slack's ownership of 'Spere with Inner Form' 1963, bronze 6/7. Delivery arrangements and how happy Barbara is about this.Together with second handwritten note asking them to chose 5/7 instead ('as the colour is poor' on 6/7) 'order Denis (Mitchell) to move it up to place'
Oct 5th 1965. Handwritten two sides of Trewyn Studio paper. Discussing a personal invitation to supper at Kensington Palace and she 'may need a few bolsters before leaving on Tues night'. Also discussing the insurance on the Slack's sculpture 5/7 and that she should sign it, etc.
Nov 10th, not dated, likely 1970/, one handwritten page, addressed to Janet (Slack) thanking her for a gorgeous loaf, and how much she enjoyed seeing Janet & Roger, and Nancie & Frank (Halliday).
Undated but probably 1969/70, red ink Trewyn Studio paper, one handwritten page, addressed to Janet, thanking her for flowers, enthusing on Pippa (Slack, daughter of Roger & Janet) and her marriage to John and the wedding. Worrying about her mother who is 92, builders at home and her missing cat etc.
December 31st 1971, red ink Trewyn Studio paper, typed thank you letter to Janet, for a Christmas gift of a beautiful box etc.
Two handwritten letters from John Wells, 10th January 1969 and 30th December 1969, discussing books, friends they had known, a picture Slack had bought of Wells' etc, etc. Also with a brief handwritten note from Arthur Caddick, 1978, a printed poem by Caddick with a lino cut by Rod Felton and a small printed pamphlet 'Some Statements by Barbara Hepworth' Bowness, 1977. From the Estate of Dr Roger Slack
Dr Roger Slack became the GP for St Ives in 1947. He treated all of the notable artists in the community at that time, and had surely one of the most illustrious groups of patients of any doctor. Many became close personal friends. During the 1950s Roger began to tape reminiscences of elderly locals, including the memories of the painter Alfred Wallis's friends and neighbours. His recordings have been an invaluable resource for many writers and researchers. His work is now housed at the St Ives Archive Centre.