Collection of letters to Joan Severn, 1885-1906.

Collection consists of 159 letters from Francesca Alexander to Joan Severn (MA 7362.1-159);3 envelopes without letters from Alexander to Severn (MA 7362.160-162); 4 letters from Alexander to Ruskin (MA 7362.163-166); 1 excerpt from a letter from Ruskin to Alexander, in Alexander's hand (MA 7362.167); 5 letters from Ruskin to Alexander (MA 7362.168-172); and 2 pen drawings of flowers (MA 7362.173-174). Letters from Alexander to Severn concern primarily the mental health of Alexander's "Fratello," John Ruskin, as well as gardening and flowers, and the health of Alexander, Severn, and Alexander's "Mammina," Lucia Gray Swett Alexander. Most are written from Florence and signed "Sorella." Correspondence between Ruskin and Alexander concerns Alexander's writing and Ruskin's health. Items are cataloged individually; see related records for detailed descriptions.