Edgar DEGAS

Autograph letter dated and signed by Edgar Degas, addressed to the dealer Charles Deschamps, director of Durand-Ruel’s London branch. Three pages in ink on a bifolium.
Minor marginal tears not affecting the text, folds from mailing.
Recently returned from New Orleans, Degas writes to his London dealer to announce the imminent arrival of a delicate composition of dancers, Le Foyer de la danse à l’Opéra de la rue Le Peletier, now held at the Musée d’Orsay: "In the meantime you will receive the little picture you saw in progress and which you had the idea of selling to Mr. Huth - May you succeed! [...] As for the price, it seems to me that...

First and only edition published of this remarkable set of 15 original lithographs from the post-impressionist painter George William Thornley, only 100 copies printed.
Publisher's portfolio bound in boards very skilfully restored.
14 of the 15 lithographs are printed in colour (black, blue, green, mauve and different browns) on broadside China paper laid on pale blue thick paper, one is directly printed on thick paper.
All except the last, bear the stamp of Thornley's signature with the words “Chez Mrs Boussod & Valadon – 19 Bd Montmartre” and “Imp. Becquet frères à Paris”.
“In 1888, George William Thornley was commissioned to produce a series of lithographs based on the...