An American silver locket, gifted by Lawrence Olivier and on...

Hammer

£180

An American silver locket, gifted by Lawrence Olivier and once owned by Vivien Leigh, engraved to either side 'Larry' and 'Vivien',  American Silver makers marks, R. BLACKINTON & CO - North Attleboro, MA.

Provenance - The current vendor has owned this item since late 1950s, acquired at Notley Abbey and gifted personally by Lawrence Olivier. 
The lot is accompanied by a personal letter from the current vendor, which details how the locket was acquired:
'My eldest aunt Frances, had a friend who, with her husband, worked at various big estates during their lives. They were Mr & Mrs. George Watts. Our family would try and visit them if possible. In the late 1950s I went on a visit to see them with my aunt Iris, her husband, their baby daughter and my grandmother to Notley Abbey where they were working as housekeeper/driver for Lawrence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. We had a tour of the house, I can still see it in my mind, the bedrooms, each one was a different colour scheme. It was a beautiful home. During our visit Lawrence arrived, much to the horror of Mr. Watts! He was lovely and chatted with us. My aunt Iris was so happy and told him how she loved his films. Lawrence didn't stay long, but before he went he gave her a silver locket engraved on both sides, one side Larry, the other Vivien. My aunt treasured it always, wearing it now and again. The baby, now 67, knows how much it meant to her mum and wants it to go to someone who will cherish it as much as her mum did.