Edward G. Kennedy

Few fellow-club-men have visited the Century, even casually, without running across Edward Guthrie Kennedy. He always seemed to be on his way from somewhere in the club-house to some other part of it; yet he never failed to stop for exchange of comment, serious or humorous according to his mood of the moment. As art collector, notably of prints, his judgment was infallible and his knowledge unlimited; but for personal as well as artistic association, it is his intimacy with Whistler which will be most particularly remembered. That master of the gentle art of making enemies had the capacity for making intimate friends as well, and Kennedy was among the closest of them. In the art world, Kennedy unquestionably had a peculiarly important influence on the generation of collectors whom he served during his period as dealer in prints, exerting a potent influence as guide, philosopher, and friend to all who sought his advice. Kennedy knew the subject of engraving to its minutest detail. His catalogue of Whistler’s etchings is notable; so was his knowledge of the work of the other artists who interested him, such as Rembrandt, Dürer, Meryon, and Seymour Haden. Academic in his own interests and tastes, he stood rigidly for high quality and impeccable condition in prints. On such matters he was a stern mentor and a wise adviser. What his club associates will remember of him is his strong personality, his vivid and picturesque talk, with the salting of anecdotes and stories which his Irish sense of humor would unexpectedly produce.

Alexander Dana Noyes
1933 Century Association Yearbook