Lot 88
88
Audrey Hepburn
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Audrey Hepburn

Details
Audrey Hepburn
A series of three autograph letters and two cards from Audrey Hepburn to her father and stepmother Anthony and Fidelma Hepburn Ruston, signed, the correspondence variously addressed (Dearest Daddy and Fidelma, Dearest Both, Darling Grandad) from various residences in Rome and Bürgenstock, 10th August, 1964 - 28th April, 1974, altogether seven and a half pages in autograph and two autograph cards, one letter on 21, Via San Valentino, Roma headed stationery

The general tone of the letters is chatty and friendly, sending thanks for Christmas presents and discussing her travels and her two sons: Sean is now taller than I am still only 13!!, also in some instances, forwarding gifts and photographs, (not present), the earliest of these:
- a Christmas card made by Audrey from a picture postcard, [n.d. but 1964] inscribed on the verso in Audrey's hand with Christmas greetings in red felt pen and a message from Audrey in turquoise adding at the foot some odd snaps of Eliza at the ball - and me in Sunbonnet! signed from Audrey-Mel-Sean with a printed illustration of Château Cheverny, München on the obverse;
- another undated letter written by Audrey in turquoise ink mentions sending snap-shots under separate cover and adds a cautionary note ...Though not for publication I hope they'll serve as a souvenir of our happy weekend 2pp., in another letter dated 13th May, 1970 Audrey expresses deep concern on hearing of her father's ill health and her desire to help financially: ...am very upset Daddy does not feel well...I would naturally love to help and am grateful to have the opportunity... she vows to provide whatever they need to cover their expenses and signs off saying: ..I am very happy you wrote, thankyou and bless you both...in haste XX Audrey 2pp. (a lot)
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No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Previous correspondence between Audrey and her father, sold through these rooms in 2000 and 2004, showed that their relationship was not always harmonious. Audrey and certain members of her family had become estranged after various relatives had given interviews about her to the press without her permission. Hence, the cautionary note regarding snap-shots she'd sent "not being for publication" . The rift between Audrey and her father was apparently resolved in 1963.

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