In the documentation of Stenvert, you can also take part of Södertälje konsthalls production costs and the correspondence exchanged between the various actors who showed the exhibition. The letter states that the exhibition has been passed on to Lunds Konsthall and that Norrköping (Art Museum) is mentioned as a third party. The letters testify to a sharp word duel about unforeseen financial costs where Södertälje konsthalls Eje Högestedt provides answers to speeches. The rhetoric from the early 70’s is quite acrid.

The letter from Lunds Konsthall is signed with what can be interpreted as Ingvar in handwriting and without name clarification describes the situation at Lund Konsthall and in Norrköping.

Dear Eje! One is seized by slight dizziness at the thought of how Stenvert’s has risen in value through our exhibitions. The vertigo does not diminish when you see how the exhibition account for the lush Tyrolean expo diminishes in step with all the bills that pour in. It’s the same in Norrköping, and it seems to be just as good that we all put the cards on the table and see what the bill goes on. (see scanned letter in full)

Eje responds addressed to Lunds Konsthall:

Thank you for the letter on June 4, 1970 regarding the Stenvert exhibition! First of all, I would like to emphasize that the financial agreement that you have made with Curt Stenvert, apparently very generous, must be entirely on your behalf. The promises that I personally gave Curt Stenvert during his short visit here we have kept and more than that! Our costs here for that exhibition, exhibition insurance, repairs, installation stations, etc. became very high, all this we have already paid.

Eje emphasizes: As far as we can see, we have fulfilled our obligations because we also took the exhibition, but we do not want to make it more difficult for you than necessary.

The letter ends with a diplomatic gesture!

(see scanned letter in full)

 Sources: div. from the art gallery’s archive folder, compiled by Anneli Karlsson.

Image: The thirty-eighth human situation: To leave as his adorable widow his own gilded skeleton, as the late manager. 1964.