The Washington times., 1902-12-07

'ii' '"'i-i at a-td htid on securing the
commission for the coronation picture:
Yes. naturally I'm pleased to have
been selected, but do you know. I
wasn't tickled half so much as when I
got my first sketch in 'Harper's.
Three years after The First Thanks
giving" had been published. Mr.. Abbey
came to New York. In the meantime
he had studied a year or so in the Penn
sylvania Academy Of the Fine Arts in
Philadelphia. and today there is a tradi-
lion in that school that Med Abbey was
a good artist but unwilling"
But orcc in New York. he began de-
vclopiHg another trait that is the sub
ject Of much Eood-natured banter
among his fellows-in-art He joined
the Tile Club. OF which many artists
now famous we're members. F. Hopk.n-
son smith being among them.
It was duty Of the members at the
club meetings to paint tiles and plaques
and what not for one anoJher's studios.
and the result, in Abbey's case, was that
he cultivated fondness for spending
nearly every cent he had. not necessary
for living expenses. in adorning his stu
dio and home.
Leased Morgan Hall.
When he leased Morgan Hall. his Eng
lish home an old rambling structure.
parts Of whicn are more than 300 years
old. which is surrounded by an estate Of
thirty acres. he began altering il right
and left and decorating and embeIish-
ing it with as much fervcr as he used
to display in adorniDg the studios Of his
young days in America
/ To Morgan Hall Mr.. Abbey has also
carried his enthusiasm for baseball. He
doesn't play baseball. exactly. but nearly
every day he INDUCES in what he con-
slders the next best tIrg-crieket.
/ Up to the time that h, was commits
stoned TO paint the coror alton picture
Mr.. Abbey had not been presented to
King Edward. when he was summoned
before the King. so tha he could be Off
cially informed that he had secured a
much coveted honor. about ali that his
majesty said. beyond the mere announce
ment OF his selection. was:
MY lord chamberlain win attend TO
the details"
Then Mr.. Abbey clad in the gown ot
the Royal Academy. and carrying ms
sword. bowed himself out Of the royal
presence.
Met SwedeH's King.
But Mr. Abbey has held an extended
1 conversation with at least one monarch
Thisds King oscar Of Sweden.
a short time after he had become a
member Of the Royal Academy. Mr. ABB
hey. according TO a custom regarding
new members. found himself a member
Of the academy council One Of the du-
ties OF the council is TO arrange for roy
aIty's private view Of the annual exhi-
bitious.
At the first private view that Mr. Alb
hey helped to plan, he had one Of his
paintings hung. "The Trial Of Queen
Catherine, and # fell to his lot to es-
cort King Oscar. then on a visit to Eng
land
Every thing went smoothly enough
until Sweden's ruler caught sight Of Mr..
Abbey's exhibit. Then he planted his
royal person soIdly before the painting
and rapidly began firing questions at its
author.
So persistent was the King in his in
quisition that he attracted the other
members OF the party about him and
unintentionalIy furnished them with a
half hours amusement by the questions
/ propounded. But Mr.. Abbey's answers
1 evidently pleased King Oscar, for it is
said that when he heard that his rel-
/ low ruler Edward Of England, was cast
/ ing about for a coronation painter, he
| diDlomaticaEly suggested the name OF the
/ American who. at an academy exhibition
several years before. had answered q
long string OF question in so satisfac-
/ tory a manner