Charles Burchfield, Journals, January 23, 1939

In studio all day writing letters & studying the “Elevators” – Long letter to Rehn about the Albright meeting, and the Elevators; one to Louise about my N.Y. trip, a brief note to Chidsey, and the following letter to Seymour Knox –

“My dear Mr. Knox:

You will recall, that when you and Mr. Washburn did me the high honor of writing me to serve on the advisory board for the new “Room of Contemporary Art”, that I accepted with some reluctance and on the condition that it would not interfere with my painting.

I find, after attending the first meeting that 78. it turned out as I feared. It is too disturbing, and will take too much thought and time from my creative work. I therefore beg to be excused from further participation in the administration of the new Room, advisory or otherwise.

This does not mean that I will not, follow with interest, the successive exhibition and the progress of the collection, but wish to do so as a completely private individual.

It follows naturally that my name with (sic) be excluded from any future publicity in connection with the activity of the new Room.

Trusting that this will meet with the full approval of Mr. Washburn and yourself – I am etc.

The incompleteness of my reason for resigning makes me feel insincere and cowardly. Why should I withhold my scorn?"

Charles Burchfield, January 23, 1939