Dame Laura Knight RA 1877-1970 Six handwritten letters and a...

Hammer

£220

Dame Laura Knight RA 1877-1970 Six handwritten letters and a short note. A charming archive of letters by one of the 20th century's best-loved artists, all written in her characteristically generous, encouraging and warm hearted style. 5th Oct 19?? Jory’s Hotel, Lamorna To Mr Woods Thanking him for a gift of a bundle of paint rags (sparing her from needing to tear up her husbands best shirts) And joining with Mr Munnings, who she was with, in sending him and Miss Woods kindest regards. 23rd Dec 1936, Langford Place To: Dearest ag? or aj? (possibly Munnings?) Thanking them for the ‘lovely little dinky powder puff’ and hoping they have the picture by now. 24th Sept 1938, Langford Place To Mandgill? Congratulating him/her on writing ‘a masterpiece’ about the struggles of actors. 19th June 1961, Langford Place To Beshlie, thanking her for her lovely drawing and letter, telling her she would show it to others who could be useful to her, and encouraging Dominic not to despair, that his talent would be recognised. NOTE: Beshlie was an illustrator who together with her husband, the writer Dominic Reeve, lived the lives of travelling Gypsies on the road. 20th June 1961, Langford Place To Beshlie, continuing the theme of the previous letter, showing Beshlie’s drawings to a possible client, Mrs MacCracken. 11th July, 1961, Langford Place To Beshlie, continuing the theme of the previous two, thanking her for her letter and confirming the safe arrival of Beshlie’s drawings to be viewed by Mrs MacCracken. She also says she has written to Augustus John on her behalf. One undated note, cut from the bottom of a letter, but signed by Laura, to Beshlie “Do not be depressed if unsuccessful with a dealer, but try and try again – always sticking to what you yourself believe in to be the truth.”