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Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer Item
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Letter to Eleanor Lambert

Incomplete letter, in which Beaton thanks Lambert for all her letters, cheques and advice. The American critic Gilbert Seldes (1893-1970) has warned Beaton that since Walter Winchell (1897-1972) is so popular with the public at present, it may be unwise to try to sue him for damages. Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) says that the very last thing he should do is to sue. However, Beaton is seeking some legal advice since he wants to clear his reputation. He finds that some of his Jewish friends now believe him to be a Fascist, but as a patriotic Englishman, he cannot be truly deemed to be so. Second page is missing.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Eileen [Hose?]

Handwritten letter, difficult to read. Original order of documents would suggest the letter is dated 15th January, 1960.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Eileen Hose

A typescript letter, in which Beaton asks Hose to write to Freedman explaining that he thinks his play can be done on television in England or abroad, and asking whether he would agree to Czech taking care of this. Asks her to write to Czech explaining the situation and send her the last copy of the play. She can also tell her that Cyril Connolly gave a very favourable report of the play in Brighton. Beaton thinks they left the Sauguet piece of music at Denman's. Is returning by post the Henry Duke of Portland book. Asks Eileen to type out all that he marked. Is taking "a ghastly pleasure" in "Memento Mori."

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Eileen Hose

Thanks her for her birthday wishes. The weather has been very cold. Still has a hacking cough. Is annoyed by the Duchess of Kent's stupidity. Would be tempted to tell Philip Hay that he doesn't care "a tupenny toss" whether the article is published or not now that she has cut the final paragraph. But they can at least get the magazine to gives them "a very huge price" for it. Asks Eileen if he has any objections about the letter to Hall. He thinks he "allowed himself to get hot under the collar". Maybe a delay from him will "titillate P. o G." Asks her to whether Lila de Nobili's address is Peter Hall's. Received nice letter from Hansen.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Edward 'Boy' Le Bas

Typescript letter to the painter Edward 'Boy' Le Bas (1904-1966), in which Beaton thanks Le Bas for his encouraging letter. This is his last week in Holborn before his holiday. He is looking forward to finishing his work in the office and to escaping his family for a short while to go to Paris and Venice with a 'nice woman' [most likely to be a reference to the British fashion journalist, Alison Settle (1891-1980)]. Asks le Bas if he can borrow some money from him and promises to re-pay it slowly.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Ed Wittstein

A typewritten letter, in response to Wittstein's letter dated 24th July, with a cover letter from Eileen Hose to Arnold Weissberger, requesting that Weissberger familiarise himself with the contents of the letter before passing it on to Wittstein. Beaton writes of his consternation upon hearing that his work has been accidentally incinerated. While he accepts that accidents do happen, he is deeply frustrated that his work has been lost and requests that an exact list of what is missing be sent to him.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Douglas Seale

Beaton wished they had had the opportunity of working more closely together since the rehearsals have started. Knows Seale's position has been very difficult. Realizes that taking Wolfit was a great mistake and hopes to find a replacement for him.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Dorothy Joseph [Beaton's first secretary]

Typescript letter, unsigned, though evidently from Beaton. Sends best wishes for 1938. Has spent an enjoyable Christmas. The exhibition looks very nice and visitors are complimentary, but it hasn't been hugely successful in financial terms. No confirmation for when he will return back from America, but it won't be before 30th January. Adds that he has a lot to do in relation to his book and 'Vogue'-related issues.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Donald Wolfit

Rehearses all his grievances against Wolfit. Wolfit was selfish during rehearsals. Resorted to "virtual blackmail" by threatening to walk out of the play. Gave a "shamefully unsuitable, old-fashioned performance". Failed to learn the part. Inserted "humourless, oversentimental phrases". Sought pity when afraid that his behaviour would make him unpopular. "Finally broke all theatre ethics" by communicating his private grievances to the press with no consideration for the other actors and people involved. Beaton could not refute his aspersions for fear of further damaging the play. He had been warned of Wolfit's "reputation for recalcitrance" when he approached him. Hopes "there will be less opportunities for [him] to create these disturbances in future".

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

Letter to Audrey Withers

Typescript letter in which Beaton offers his apologies for the unsatisfactory photographs he produced for the April issue, yet nevertheless defends his actions. He suggests that, however unsuccessful the results of the feature were perceived to have been, the detailed explanations he presents in his letter should indicate that "they were not brought about by any lack of integrity or interest on [his] part". Beaton agrees that it would be better if the magazine ceased to offer him such sittings and allowed him to continue with his interest in fashion photography elsewhere.

Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer

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