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Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton
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Zosia Kochanski. Autograph letter to Beaton, from Venice

Was sad to learn that Beaton had come to visit and that she had missed him. That morning Volodra Horowitz had promised to play for her. Discusses musical events she is attending. Has been thinking about Beaton a lot. Praises his extraordinary personality and charm. Dreams to come to the opening of Beaton's play.

Kochanski, Zosia (fl 1911-1950)

Zena Dare. Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from London.

Beaton has always had a flattering illusion of her. Until last week, had a lovely dress that Beaton might have thought possible for his collection, but has now sold it. Used to wear it to Embassy parties. The last time she enjoyed dressing in beautiful clothes was in Beaton's 'lovely creations' in "My Fair Lady". Has never cared for dressing in lovely clothes to go to parties. Has had to write this long reason for why she has nothing lovely enough for Beaton's collection.

Dare, Zena (1886-1975) actress

Yehudi Menuhin. Typescript letter to Beaton.

Is so happy that the School Auction could include a costume design of Beaton's thanks to his generosity. Cherishes all Diana's associations with the stage, particularly her admiration for Beaton.

Menuhin, Yehudi (1916-1999) Baron Menuhin, violinist and conductor

Working with the Lunts

Typescript account of Beaton's experience in collaborating on Noël Coward's play 'Quadrille', which premiered at the Manchester Opera House on 15 July 1952, and which and starred Lynn Fontanne (1883-1983) and Alfred Lunt (1892-1977).

Women

Documents relating to the proposed publication of photographs by Beaton to illustrate an article on "Women" in the French magazine, 'Réalités'. 1/ Typescript letter to the Editor of 'Realities' from Beaton, in which Beaton writes that he cannot allow his photographs to be used alongside an article by an unspecified author. The photographs, which are the property of Johnson and Johnson, were sent to the Editor in the belief that they would only be used in conjunction with an article on Beaton's work and for strictly no other purpose. Were the magazine to use the pictures in another capacity, Johnson and Johnson would be within their rights to sue for the infringement of their copyright [dated 26th July, 1961]; 2/ Typescript letter to General Robert Johnson from Beaton, in which Beaton thanks Johnson for allowing 'Réalités' to use his photographs for a feature on the idealisation of femininity. He also expresses regret that Johnson's visit to London should coincide with Beaton's holiday in Greece, though he looks forward to seeing Johnson in New York in November [dated 27th July 1961]; 3/ Invoice for the reproduction of written material for a special feature on Beaton, for the sum of 500 francs [dated 27th July 1961]; 4/ Typescript article, in which Beaton explains the aim of his photographs, which is to show the feminine ideal in some of its various aspects. The women appear in different fantasy roles, dressed as artisit or ballet dancer or wearing highly fashionable clothes. Beaton writes that in all of the photographs, the models are "raised a little higher than the bounds of reality, but without our aspirations and dreams, wouldn't all our lives seem a little less roseate?"

Winged Squadrons

Typescript of 'Winged Squadrons', Beaton's written account of his wartime work for the British Ministry of Information, photographing the UK RAF. Also includes two handwritten letters to Beaton: the first letter is from Sheila le Pe'ens, in which she thanks Beaton for the cheque and suggests minor alterations to the work [31 December 1941]; the second, signed 'Shirley', informs Beaton that the author cannot send a copy of the ENN to him, as it is forbidden for it to be shown to individuals outside of the service. Encloses a drawing to provide an idea. The Polish emblem is an eagle. He is unable to find David Garnett in the Air Force list.

William Raney. Typescript letter signed to Beaton.

The arrival of the "My Fair Lady" photographs created quite a stir. Asks Beaton to send a note letting him know how many more will be forthcoming, and what kind of pictures they will be. Informs him that 2, 058 copies of "Royal Portraits" have been sold and they expect to have sold them all by Christmas.

Raney, William Eugene (1916-1964) editor

William Paley. Typescript letter to Beaton.

A copy of "Cecil Beaton's Fair Lady" arrived today. Thanks Beaton very much. It is a beautiful book. It will be "a permanent souvenir of a great play and of your own genius". Looks forward to seeing him soon.

Paley, William Samuel (1901-1990) broadcaster

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