Camera Work: A Photographic Quarterly (1914 (Heft 47))

Dear Mr. Stieglitz:
In response to your kind invitation wish to say that I feel very strongly
the value of the work that “291” has been doing in the field of Art. The
basis on which it is done, namely, that of entire freedom from commercialism,
is unique. There has been all along the spirit of the prophet; the vision to
recognize and understand art expressions which are ahead of the time. The
spirit of devotion to an ideal as there exemplified is most stimulating and
helpful. May it long continue.
Sincerely yours,

N. E. Montross

My opportunities for keeping in touch with “291” have not been as
great as I should desire; but in spite of this “291” has given me the priv-
ilege of seeing a wide variety of examples of the work of artists who are reach-
ing out into new fields and who represent a distinctly modern impulse.
When one considers the vast amount of energy devoted to the exposi-
tion of the work of the artist by institutions, dealers, etc., of this country, it
must strike him as a curious situation that only in one spot in America can
he see the results of the most artistic activity.
Had “291” done no more than fill this unique position, I should feel
greatly in its debt.
Hugh H. Breckenridge

My associations with “291” have not been extensive, but the memory
of them is not the less rare. In this restless vortex which we call New York,
in the whole commercial mechanism of official exhibition throughout the
country, the little gallery stands unique in the purity of its ideals, in the
simplicity of its methods.
To me it is an oasis. When I can escape from the battle and go there,
it is like going home, in the finest sense. We don’t have to pretend, we don’t
have to proclaim our importance, nor to struggle to maintain ground. We are
understood and accepted for what we are, and, even better, for what we
could be were all the world like this little place.
Helen W. Henderson

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