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Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton Cooper, Lady Diana Olivia Winifred Maud (1892-1986) née Manners
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Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo

Complains of recent cold weather. Writes that he enjoyed his week in Paris, although he caught a cold. Describes a day he spent with Diana at Chantilly. Sends news that Diana has been left a legacy by a Spanish Marquis called Emmanuele. Describes Edmond Rostand's widow [Rosemonde Etienette Gerard] whom he sat next to at a dinner. Plans to return to Paris on the following Friday. Enthuses over a French marble bust of an eighteenth-century woman that he has bought. Reports on his search for and purchase of Reddish House, Broad Chalke, Wiltshire. Regrets that Dove, his gardener, did not live to tend the garden at Reddish. Writes about his design work for 'An Ideal Husband' and 'Anna Karenina'. Praises Sir Alexander Korda. Postscript: Details recent purchases, including a new car. Asks Greta to remember him to Elizabeth, the Irish maid, and Eugene, the waiter, who had served him in America. Mentions recent plays he has seen, including Shaw's 'Back to Methuselah'. Recounts a scandal story from the newspapers. Reminds Garbo of their conversation whilst admiring the Park Avenue lights from the roof of a penthouse. Writes that he wants to marry her. Asks her questions.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Hotel Vendome, Paris

Complains that Paris is dreary. Describes a day trip to Fontainebleau. Mentions his regular morning visits to Diana Cooper, who is ill in bed. Encourages Garbo to make arrangements to meet him in America. Details of his lunch with 'black and white', who intimated that it was too late for he and Garbo to be married. Lists his activities in Paris including looking at Dior's clothes and lunching with Peter Watson. Looks forward to reading a letter from Garbo that awaits him on his return to London on Sunday.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Writes about a meeting, in London, with a possible director for his Gainsborough play, followed by a visit to Oxford. Details his holiday in Paris: staying with Diana Cooper, visiting Elsie [Mendl], attending a party given by Arturo Lopez's boy friend, staying with his 'little Greek friend', and seeing Tanis Guiness. Informs Garbo of a meeting with George Schlee, at which they talked about her. Refers to Garbo's letter to him. Discusses plans for the summer holidays. Details his activities since he returned to Reddish including visits from Tilly Losch and her ex-husband, and Peter [Watson].

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Asks Garbo a list of questions about her activities. Describes his stay in Paris with Diana Cooper, including visiting to Elsie Mendl, and meeting Bebe [Christian Berard]. Tells an anecdote about how he almost missed the ferry back to England.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Describes his activities during his trip to London, including shopping for antiques, attending a play starring Gladys Cooper, going to a dinner for Duff and Diana Cooper, lunches with a director of the Old Vic, and with Diana Cooper and Evelyn Waugh. Discusses Queen Mary's theatre going habits. Confesses his fear of Evelyn Waugh. Mentions plans for a project on Gainsborough. Details a visit to Reddish from Juliet Duff and her guests.

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

Typescript letter to Beaton, from Sussex

Discusses Beaton's letter and invitation. Longs to see Beaton's garden and everything that has been done. Discusses gardening. Asks about Beaton's play and mentions the progress of her book. Stayed at Chantilly a month ago. Diana (Cooper) seems not as usual. Is going to South Africa in January. Laurian is going to Infanta in Spain. Discusses Pandora and Richard.

Typescript letter to Beaton, from Sussex

Apologises for not replying to Beaton, but has been struggling to write. Would like to visit Beaton next summer. Asks about Beaton's play. Suggests he write a play about 'the rise of a young man'. Discusses the idea. Had lunch with Oggie and Diana (Cooper) yesterday. Is going to Chantilly at the end of October for a few days. Is going to South Africa on 6 January until April. Discusses the play "Harvey".