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Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton Beaton, Sir Cecil Walter Hardy (1904-1980) Knight, photographer
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Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

  • Beaton/A/A2/14a/92
  • Item
  • 3 Sep. 1950 (Circa. Letter dated 'Sunday Sept 2nd (near enough)')
  • Part of Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Explains that he did not write her a letter the previous Sunday because he was working on his play with a man who is helping him. Gives his views about the opening night of 'The second Mrs Tanqueray' in London. Complains that the weather is bad and his mother gets lumbago. Mentions his drive in the countryside with Clarissa Spencer-Churchill. Misses his house at Ashcombe and describes a recent walk he took to the area. Outlines his plans for the next few days, including a visit to John Gielgud in Stratford-upon-Avon to see three Shakespeare productions. Complains that his secretary is on holiday for six weeks. Frustration at waiting for his Gainsborough play to be produced, for Garbo to visit him, and for Garbo to marry him. His opinion of 'Sunset Boulevard' and Signe Hasso's performances in 'Rosmersholm'.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Reflects on the reception of his Gainsborough play. Mentions that he will go to Paris to take fashion photographs at the weekend. Considers going to Italy. Wishes Garbo was with him. Expresses dissatisfaction with his current lifestyle. Wants to get married. Feels hemmed in by his secretary, Maud Nelson.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Encourages Garbo to visit him in England during her trip to Europe. Complains that he has cut his finger opening a tin of Spanish nougat which makes it difficult to work on rewriting his play. Asks after George Schlee. Postscript on separate sheet: Writes of his frustration at having to write Garbo 'formal' letters that she can show to George Schlee. Exhorts her to fight to visit him.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Wonders how Garbo is doing in her 'Luxury East River apartment'. Writes a 'word painting' of himself as he is at the moment he is writing. Outlines his plans to enlarge his house and garden, and possibly buy the pink cottage and rent it furnished, as his finances allow. Refers to his few business trips to London, where he had lunch with 'the little gipsy' (Pamela Berry), the Salisburys and Ann Fleming. Mentions his household staff, including the French cook at Pelham Place, and Mrs Murdoch. Enthuses about Spring. Writes of his mother's ill health. Considers taking a short holiday but is content to stay at Reddish and work. Refers to the impending arrival of Waldemar Hansen. Worries about Garbo's situation. Wishes she would show friendship to Mercedes de Acosta. Encourages her to fly to England. Sends news of Clarissa and Anthony Eden, including Clarissa's miscarriage.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

  • Beaton/A/A2/14a/122
  • Item
  • 30 July 1954 (Circa. Dated 'September 30th Friday' but contents suggests that the letter was actually written on 30 July.)
  • Part of Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Responds to a letter from Garbo. Worries about his mother's failing health. Refers to Nella Webb's advice. Praises his new secretary, Eileen. Describes what he has been doing since returning from America, including writing a book about his American lecture tour. Writes that Waldemar Hansen is staying with him but leaves on 10th August. Plans to holiday in the gulf of Naples, return to England for an October performance of 'Loves Labours Lost' for which he is the designer, and then travel to New York if he gets a design contract for 'The Chalk Garden'. Invites Garbo to visit him in September. Discusses his plans for home improvements. Worries about world politics. Asks after Garbo's new apartment. Tells an anecdote about revisiting the site of his first boarding school. Sends news of Diana, Lucian Freud, and Clarissa and Anthony Eden.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Wishes Garbo could have joined in his enjoyment of clearing a stretch of river at the end of his garden at Reddish. Asks Garbo to dine with him when she is in London. Informs her that after January he will be working hard for Alexander Korda again.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

  • Beaton/A/A2/14a/17
  • Item
  • 7 Sep. 1947 (Circa. Letter dated 'September the seventh. Sunday morning')
  • Part of Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Describes the effects of the current warm weather. Refers to a book which he is writing. Expresses his feelings for Garbo. Considers that, of all his friends, he would like to introduce Garbo to Augustus John and his family.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Describes the excitement of unpacking the food crates that he brought back from America. Sends news of Juliet Duff, Michael Duff, David who is still in Morocco. Resumes after a three-four day break. Details his activities during three days in London, including attending performances of 'Dandy Dick', 'The relapse, or virtue in danger' and 'The happiest days of your life'. Observes the optimistic atmosphere in London in contrast to New York. Sends a list of questions for Garbo to answer.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

Complains about the chaos caused by his home improvements at Reddish House. Describes the death and funeral of his friend, Emerald Cunard. Expresses a lack of interest in the two films for which Alexander Korda wants him to design. Refers to the 'George Sands' project, of which John Sutro is in charge. Considers travelling to Morocco. Worries about his play. Describes his visit to London, including attending a 'Negro Revue', shopping in department stores, meeting Osbert Sitwell at an exhibition.

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

Carbon copy ALS to Greta Garbo from Reddish House

  • Beaton/A/A2/14a/42
  • Item
  • 2 Sep. 1948 (Circa. Letter dated 'Tuesday morning Sept 2nd'.)
  • Part of Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Gives his impressions of the Edinburgh Festival. Alludes to three jobs he is working on. Reflects on the content of his early diaries.

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

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