Showing 220 results

Typescript letter in response to Yoxall's letter dated 15th July. Beaton apologises for the delay in replying to him and confirms that he would like to continue to work with Conde Nast and in accordance with the terms suggested by them. Beaton adds that he works best when there is a lot to achieve in a short time, and so would be very pleased if the Editor, Audrey Withers, would offer more sittings to him. He believes that he can make a greater contribution to the magazine. Beaton concludes with a request that, since he will need to travel to America earlier in the autumn in order to be back for the Coronation, the American 'Vogue' office might welcome him at the end of September.

Beaton writes that he is very upset about the difficulties in putting on his play. They might have to postpone it until Autumn, in which case they should try to secure Roger Livesey. Kay Brown thinks that they should assemble a cast now, and that Beaton should go back to London immediately. Beaton, though, wants Evans to investigate potential directors and cast before his return. He apologizes for his apparent callousness when told about Peter Potter's leg amputation. He discusses potential actors and actresses: Irene Worth is his favourite, to play either daughter. Marianne Davis wants them to go ahead with the production in order to get into the Duke of York's. Beaton has heard that the celebrated Sam Berman has also had difficulties with his play, so maybe what he is going through is usual in the theatre world; remains hopeful.

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.

Describes his journey back from Paris: the quantity of his purchases prevented him from accepting a lift in a friend's aeroplane. Thanks Garbo effusively for food parcels. Plans for a future with Garbo.

Other documents relating to Greta Garbo include a drawing, notes and newspaper cuttings. Letters 1- 21 are contained in a 'Challenge' duplicate book with blue cover; letters 22-39 are contained in a 'National' duplicate book with a brown cover; letters 41-70 are contained in a 'Riverside' writing block with a yellow cover; letters 114-120 are contained in a 'Basildon air mail' writing block with a red cover; letters 121-125 are contained in a writing block with cardboard back cover, missing front cover; letters 127-129 are contained in a Croxley cambric writing pad with white cover, these include a letter to Waldemar Hansen.

Discusses Garbo's visit to London and regrets having missed her. Details how he has been passing his time at Reddish House and the improvements he is making.

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.

Typescript letter to the American writer, philanthropist and co-founder of the New York City Ballet, Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996), in which Beaton writes that the offer Kirstein proposed in his previous letter sounds fascinating. He plans to come to America after Christmas to begin a lecture tour in January and may have spaces in between lectures to come to New York. Beaton does not think that he could offer to go to New York especially for this job, given how costly accomodation and other expenses would be. However, he would like time to think over the problem, as it sounds a delightful job and this is only his first reaction. He is presently on his way to the Slade School of Fine Art, where he is trying to learn to paint with oils in a different style than he was taught at school.

Beaton is encouraged by the good reception of the play's opening in Manchester and has ideas to rewrite it. The present company has much improved it since Brighton. Beaton discusses the place where the costumes are to be kept and asks Sherek to have them insured. He congratulates Sherek and hope he will have Laurence Hardy and Muriel Pavlow when the production is reassembled. He is going on a holiday until 8 Sept. He requests another copy of the play to work on it.