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Includes correspondence, diaries, notebooks, typescripts and one photograph.

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.

Includes letters to many eminent persons.

32 autograph letters from Beaton to his family from abroad, 6 telegrams, 4 press cuttings, and 1 rough sketch of a dress.

Manuscript loose-leaf diary entry in Beaton's hand. Writes that he embarked for the country with joy and happiness. It was a relief to leave behind the complications of the city and the exhaustion that comes from too many people and too many parties. London has been very hot over the past week and on top of everything else, there has been some personal conflict to contend with as well. Recounts a difficult conversation with Peter Watson (1908-1956) and discusses his unrequited love and admiration for him.

Manuscript loose-leaf diary entry in Beaton's hand. Writes that he will spend ten minutes of his last evening on his voyage back to England recounting his recent trip to America. He arrived in New York very late in the winter, since the death of his brother Reggie in October 1933 had upset plans, and arrived for the first time without any feeling of expectancy. Felt that this year must surely be an anti-climax after the last one. But as he settled into a daily pattern, the enjoyment returned to him. The weeks passed in which he took photographs for 'Vogue'. Miss Bigger was a godsend and if for some reason she was unable to show in, the day was lost. He and his friends also attended many parties. The weeks rushed by and he was never alone, even while he was sleeping - there wasn't much time for sleep anyway. After David and Michael left, he felt very ill and run-down, without the health and energy for the arrival of Peter Watson (1908-1956), which was very exciting for him, since he and Peter had not been together in America for a long time. The doctor gave him injections, which left him feeling miserable. And in the midst of all of the headaches and upsets, he received a further shock from the terrible news that Lilyan Tashman (1896-1934) had died, which distressed him greatly. And when, after a rough crossing, Peter arrived a day late, Beaton was still a wreck when he went down to the docks to welcome him. Recounts the details of a trip with Peter, first to the southern states, then on to Haiti and Jamaica. On returning to New York, Beaton was very busy. During the last week, he did seventy-six costumes for a production of 'Romeo and Juliet', photographed madly and successfully, then attended the Open Ball. With two days of sleep on the boat, he has recovered from the strain. And so it is goodbye and good wishes and fond messages of farewell - he is satisfied that much has been achieved, but also conscious of Peter's criticism of him, namely that he is spiky with people whom he dislikes. And so he resolves to try to place a lighter price on himself when he returns to England, so that he does not lose Peter's respect.

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.

Typescript letter, in which Beaton writes that he has received a message from 'Vogue' magazine, quoting the latest slur made against him by the American newspaper and radio commentator, Walter Winchell (1897-1972) and advising Beaton that he should deny Winchell's allegation. In his column of the 21st March, Winchell states that Beaton sent an especially-bound copy of his work to Goebbels, a claim which is unfounded. Beaton is thoroughly sick of Winchell's unfairness and wonders what Lambert's reaction is: is there any sense in stirring the mud and pressing for legal action for damages? Beaton's publisher, Lippincott, backs the idea of retaliating. Adds that he will remain in Morocco until after Easter unless there is some cataclysm in the meantime.

Typescript letter to the writer, producer and impresario, Rudolf K. Kommer (1886-1943), in which Beaton writes that he has been sight-seeing in southern Morocco and has taken lots of pictures. He is currently staying in a lovely house in Tangier, which overlooks the Governor's Palace. Thanks Kommer for his advice on various matters and asks him for his opinion on how he believes Beaton should respond to Walter Winchell's most recent attack on him. Beaton understands how difficult it is to sue a newspaper, but the allegation that he sent a copy of his work to Goebbels is a complete lie and should be recognised as such.

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.