Tribute To Edgar Leetag

By Charles Mcphee

I LEARNED with deep sorrow of the death of Edgar Leetag, killed in a motor-cycle accident in Tahiti. He was a successful artist; but we who knew him best will never forget his intriguing person ality, his sincerity and his extreme generosity.

William Edgar Leetag, an Ameri can, was drawn to Tahiti over 20 years ago, and was fascinated by that new world of native grace, and poetical charm, and decided to re main there. He was an artist, and his early years had been a time of bitter struggle. Then, in Tahiti,

he developed a new technique— painting on velvet—and he made a remarkable success of it. As time went on—and especially of late there was a growing demand for his work. Not long ago, his “black velvets” were selling at from £5O to £lOO each; and I am told that, already, their value has doubled.

Although Papeete perhaps knew him best as a wild Bohemian, Edgar Leetag actually was a very hard worker. He was usually in his studio on Moorea by 6.30 a.m., and often he would continue late into the night. A visit to Papeete was his relaxation. His work will keep alive the name of Leetag, the artist; but we who knew him well will re member Leetag, the good friend.