Typed letter signed with initial : London to E. McKnight Kauffer, 1938 December 6.

Record ID: 
130649
Accession number: 
MA 1666
Author: 
Clark, Kenneth, 1903-1983.
Date: 
1938 December 6.
Credit: 
Gift of Marion Dorn, 1955.
Description: 
2 items (3 pages) ; 17.8 x 11.4 and 22.8 x 17.8 cm
Notes: 

With an autograph letter signed with initial, dated December 29, 1938 and written on stationery engraved "Bellevue, Lympne, Kent;" thanking him for the "beautiful Christmas tie" and the gifts for his children which "As always happens with the best children's presents we have pinched them, & they suit Jane's bedroom perfectly. I wonder how you got on in the snow at North End. We had a wonderful time here. The marsh looked more beautiful than ever, & of course there were no aeroplanes or motorcars - or even wayfarers to disturb us. The aristocratic hush of deep snow is so seldom felt in England that it was a thrilling experience. Even the thaw was [illegible] as it was accompanied by two perfect sunny days. I have less work to do than I have had for about ten years - the first time I haven't been overdue with some little article or lecture. It is a pleasant enough sensation for a time but would soon lead me to the bottle. Already I think of the next drink with unprecedented interest."
Both letters are signed with the initial "K."
On stationery engraved "30, Portland Place, W.1."
Francis Meynell was a typographer and publisher and founder of the Nonesuch Press.

Summary: 

Thanking him for an off-print of his lecture; saying "On reading it I regretted more than ever that we had not boldly fought our way in, as I see that certain important passages have been left out. But what remains is fascinating. I was most interested in your description on p. 63 of your method of work. It is the kind of record which is invaluable to a student of aesthetics. We enjoyed our evening with you very much in spite of my profound unreasoning antipathy to Mr. Francis Meynell. I hope I concealed it at the time, although the effort of doing so nearly made me break out in a rash. Forgive a typewritten letter, but I have so much to get through before going to Paris today."

Provenance: 
Gift of Marion Dorn,1955.