Autograph letter signed by Sir Lionel Cust to writer Haldane Macfall 1909

CUST, Sir Lionel (1859-1929). Autograph letter signed to writer Haldane MacFall concerning Cust's resignation as Director of the National Portrait Gallery. 26 July 1909.
 
A single sheet folded, written over two sides, each page 200 x 120 mm, on National Portrait Gallery printed and embossed stationery. Old folds and mounting residue to the blank final page, otherwise very good.
 
Cust explains that he is occupied with a meeting of the Gallery's trustees and arrangements for his "official demise." He then notes that the appointment of his successor lies entirely in the hands of Prime Minister Asquith and that he cannot use his influence or offer advice unless consulted. He expects the appointment to have been made by mid-September and then after that he would be glad to see them, and explain all that may be needful.
 
Cust resigned in 1909 after serving as Director of the National Portrait Gallery since 1895; he was succeeded by Charles John Holmes. The recipient, Haldane MacFall (1860-1928), was an artist, novelist and influential writer on art whose numerous publications included studies of Whistler, Fragonard and Vigée Le Brun. A nice association and with the content the letter is rare.