Collection of letters to Joan Severn, 1887-1906.

Collection consists of 64 items: 60 autograph letters signed (20 with envelopes) and 1 additional envelope from Lucia Gray Swett Alexander to Joan Severn (MA 7363.1-61); 2 autograph letters signed from Joan to Lucia (MA 7363.62-63); 1 carte de visite by Giacomo Brogi of Leitzia Rasponi (MA 7363.64). Letters from Lucia to Joan concern primarily the mental health of Joan's "D.P." and Lucia's "Figlio," John Ruskin; Francesca Alexander's work (especially her Roadside Songs of Tuscany); and the health of their respective families. Most are written from Florence and addressed to "Mia amata Figlia" and signed "Mammina;" many are confidential, and 6 are marked "Private" or "Please Burn." Letters from Joan to Lucia concern Ruskin's marriage to Effie Gray and his 1888 visit to the Alexanders. See individual catalog records for detailed descriptions.