LETTERS: Ruth Ford Correspondence.
Buffie Johnson -- Ruth Ford Correspondence
1940-1989
Johnson, Buffie. Ruth Ford Correspondence, 1940-1989.
A collection of letters from artist Buffie Johnson to the actress Ruth Ford: 29 letters and postcards with related materials, including invitations to Johnson’s art openings, newspaper clippings, and printed reviews.
Johnson’s letters to Ford reveal a close friendship between the women in a steady correspondence spanning 50 years. Johnson’s letters are casual but telling, often humorous and filled with examples of Johnson’s personality and wit. The letters greatly range in topic but address familiar themes: Johnson’s work and current exhibitions; the state of Ford’s career and her acting roles; and commonly, Johnson’s effusive expression of her adoration of Ford and her wish for the pair to see each other.
Through Johnson’s words Ford’s own life changes are also traceable: the correspondence begins with Ford living in Los Angeles, married to her first husband Peter van Eyck; later, they are addressed to Ford in her famous residence at the Dakota in New York City, where she and her second husband Zachary Scott hosted her “salons,” frequented by a rotating cast of celebrity guests.
Johnson’s letters also touch on her own cast of famous friends: in a 1950 letter, she notes, “Tennessee [Williams] is living in my apartment which has alas grown too small.” Later, she writes briefly about the artist Mark Rothko, whom Ford was tangentially responsible for introducing to Johnson as a then-unknown artist in the 1940s (Rothko was the nephew of one of Ford’s acting coaches). Johnson and Rothko would go on to become close friends.
Highlights are detailed below. A summary inventory follows.
On Mark Rothko:
“Mark Rothko has become one of my closest friends for instance. I wouldn’t have valued him so much in the old days I’m sure…when such people were here they never paid any attention to him. But I’m growing away from artificial society built on surface values.” (ND)
On Ford’s divorce:
“I hear…that [van Eyck] has gone…and I am worried about how you are going to maintain your large house and small child. I do hope you are considering New York this winter…” (05/30/1944)
On Ford’s acting, popularity:
“Everyone talks of Ruth constantly. A strange young man came up to me…and asked if I know Ruth Ford. I was excessively complimented.” (06/25/1943)
“We had tickets for Monday after your play opened to see you. I wanted to surprise you. You are such a wonderful wonderful person and I cannot bear it that your enormous talent does not have outlet and that delicate exquisite sensibility is so seldom brought forth in public.” (01/15/1964)
“We talked about you and they adore you! But of course everyone does. I’ve never found anyone more universally adored.” (ND)
On Johnson’s life, painting:
“I am painting some beautiful pictures lately. I must paint Shelly [Ford’s daughter]. I’ve never painted anyone so young. Do try to work up sufficient vanity in her to keep her quiet while her likeness is preserved.” (06/18/1943)
“I am seldom seen at parties. I do not entertain myself at all anymore (one or two intimate friends for tea or dinner) and I am so happy this way. It has had a most fortunate affect on my painting and I know I can never go back to my former way of life. I long to go and live in the country, can you believe it? I think I’d like to go to the desert (New Mexico) and paint with Anita Delano this summer. I want to have a baby. Can you imagine? My entire viewpoint has changed and it started the summer I spent with you.” (ND)
On reading:
“I have read all of Eudora Welty’s stories and her novel on your recommendation and I am terribly excited about them. So few things are perfect and they are. Also I must say I feel more of an affinity with her work than any American artist of whatever expression.” (11/14/1943)
On their friendship:
“I’m terribly excited ab
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