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Discusses the play. It is full of bon mots but that is not enough. Feels, however, that he would like to read it again, and not once did his attention wander while reading it. Sends fervent wishes for Beaton's safe journey.

Cannot get over Beaton's kindness in giving her those lovely presents. The butterflies are the best yet.

Was starting by car for Spain when she received a wire from Ivan and went to Munich instead. He is engaged on a script for "The Great Escape". Is staying with Wolfgang Reinhandt's wife. Kate arrives in a week. Discusses their plans. Reminisces about her trip to Beaton's village. Hopes they can all meet in September. Asks if he can send on a novel that she left in her room.

It was wonderful to hear from Beaton. Is pleased that he is enjoying his trip. What he says about travel books on Japan is true. Feels that the project would still be worth exploring with backing from someone like J.A.L.

Was delighted with the news of the honour bestowed upon Beaton. Has discussed "Vanessa" and the subject of Beaton's fee with Bing. Asks if he is prepared to go ahead.

Has been wandering about Switzerland and only got Beaton's letter a few weeks ago. Shares his "feelings of abhorrence for this servile indecency". Discusses W. Somerset and Syrie Maugham. 'Wilie' must be demented. Remembers Syrie fondly.

Discusses 'My Royal Past' and talks about the difficulties of adapting it into a show. Talks about limiting the main cast numbers. The minor cast could include a few footman and ladies-in-waiting to dress the stage. Asks Beaton if he would like to meet up to discuss the show if he is interested in it. Suggests Michael Codron may produce the show as he was keen on the old version.

Thanks Beaton for his "very kind telegram of good wishes".

Typescript essay on the subject of beauty and adornment. Beaton writes that the decorative needs of women vary according to their distinguishing features. The trick is to give such features universal appeal through accentuating their individuality. Each woman must discover her own methods of achieving this; each must assert her own personality. The use of adornment and artifice can help to draw attention to what the observer should see, but these things should, nevertheless, be used with caution lest they be misapplied. The word 'unique' should substitute the word 'beauty', which is an over-used abstraction. Disproportion should represent the harmony of the universe, while ugliness should be recognised as an expression of a woman divided against herself.

Includes the unpublished typescripts of four plays by Beaton, and three wartime notebooks. Between 1940 and 1945, Beaton was comissioned by the British Ministry of Information to document the Second World War at home and abroad. Beaton's wartime work comprises seven thousand photographs, which are now held by the Imperial War Museum. In addition to photographing London during the Blitz, Beaton travelled through North Africa, Iraq, Palestine, Transjordan and Syria. He left for India in 1943, and visited China in 1944.