SIR YEHUDI MENUHIN (1916-1999); DAME LAURA KNIGHT (1877-1970); HAROLD MACMILLAN (1894-1986); & OTHERS

Details

SIR YEHUDI MENUHIN (1916-1999); DAME LAURA KNIGHT (1877-1970); HAROLD MACMILLAN (1894-1986); & OTHERS
A collection of six typed and autograph letters from Yehudi Menuhin, dating from 24 April 1964 to 31 August 1974, to Sir Charles Wheeler and his wife, mostly thank you letters, including one autograph letter thanking him for his generous donation, the last a letter of condolence to Sir Charles' wife Muriel 'I believe I have never known a more benevolent person and, of course, he was a wonderful artist' he writes 'I shall always treasure the head he made of me, which I have at home', together with a transcript of Yehudi Menuhin's speech to the Royal Academy Annual Dinner on 4th May 1966, with original envelope.
A one-page autograph letter, signed 'Laura Knight', from 16 Langford Place, London N.W.8, 6th May 1967, saying that she has long admired his work and confesses that it has had 'an immense influence on my own outlook'.
With three other typed and autograph 'thank you' letters from Harold Macmillan, Ralph Richardson and Christina Foyle.
(10)

Lot Essay

Sir Charles Wheeler (1892-1974) was President of the Royal Academy from 1956-1965, the first sculptor to hold the position. In his memoirs, High Relief (London, 1968, p.101), he describes the sittings with Menuhin; 'The gentle calmness of his manner, the thoughtful quietness of his conversation, while he sat with feet tucked up like a Buddha, made the sittings very memorable. I remember him carrying his Stradivarius once and placing it in its case very close to his chair'.

More from Autograph Letters and Printed Books,

View All