Lamb had consulted the President [
Sir Frank Dicksee] about Ponsonby's letter of 18 May 1926. They both thought it would make no difference if Gilbert returned and resided in England, as the RA had never required him to live abroad, and while he still held a distinguished position as an artist, the record of his past misconduct must still obscure him as a man. Lamb did not know whether Ponsonby was aware that the misdeed which brought Gilbert's resignation was over some figures belonging to the tomb of the [Duke of] Clarence, and that the RA had taken its action on an urgent private message from
King Edward VII. Lamb would rather meet Ponsonby in person than write further about the business.