CHARLES LAUGHTON | Christie's

CHARLES LAUGHTON

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CHARLES LAUGHTON
A rare collection of correspondence to Miss Hepsebiah Thompson [ex-manageress of the Pavilion Hotel, Scarborough] written by Laughton from the front while serving with the Royal Huntingdonshire Rifles, one two page fragment of an autograph letter, on ..Y.M.C.A. On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force headed paper, dated September 19th 1917, revealing Laughton's appreciation of his friend Miss Thompson ..Well Pomp old thing you know your letters are always like a sea breeze. I can tell you I always look forward to hearing from you, you always tell me something I like eg. theatres. A subject which seems to be studiously avoided by everyone else who writes to me.. and expressing his anxiety about pleasing his mother ...What does mother think of my letters. Do you think I could say more of some things and less of others or in fact change them to good in any way?.., also giving an insight into the discomforts of army life ..Oh my word the mosquitos and other things nearly drive me crazy.. 2pp.; another fragment of a letter on Y.M.C.A. with H.M. Forces on Active Service headed paper [undated, circa 1917] revealing Laughton's fondness for Hepsebiah Thompson ..Well Miss Thompson I am getting bleary-eyed so I fain would bid thee au-revoir. So I remain forever your little toddler of bygone days, Charlie. P.S. " Do it again Mith Thomthon".. 1p; another complete autograph letter, dated Same address but substitute 11 Platoon for 9 Platoon, September 30th 1918 gives a vivid insight into the trials of life in the trenches ...I regret to announce that [the pot egg] passed away but I state with no mean pride that it came to its end in the execution of its duty. Owing to the lack of a better projectile I hurled it at a rat which was in the act of making off with one of my pal's soaps. R.I.P. These blighted rats will take anything from paper to oil bottles. What they do with them Goodness only knows..., and revealing Laughton's poignant misgivings about the effects the was was having on him ..My one fear as regards this do is that it might knock the fun out of me..., signed ..every yours, Charlie.. 3pp.; and a half-length portrait photograph of Laughton by Raphael, 1940, signed and inscribed by subject All my love "Pompo" from Charlie, with photographer's blind stamp and ink credit, 7¼x5¼in.; two other photographs of Laughton as a child, one a group shot of Charles with his two brothers Tom and Frank, 8x5½in. framed; and a quantity of correspondence referring to Miss Thompson's life and career including three autograph letters, signed, from Mrs Robert Laughton on Pavilion Hotel, Scarborough headed paper, various dates December 7th 1912 - September 17th 1920, various press cuttings and material associated with the German Raid on Scarborough, December 16th 1914. (a lot).

Lot Essay

Miss Hepsebiah Thompson worked as manageress of the Laughton family's hotel, The Pavilion Hotel, Scarborough, from 1907-1912, her position as close friend, confident and mentor to Charles Laughton is revealed in the above correspondence. (See Simon Callow Charles Laughton - A Difficult Actor Methuen, London, pp 9-13).

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