A 2-page autograph letter, signed "Katherine," from Villa Flora, Menton, [ca. February - April 1920], to Anne [Estelle Drey, née Rice], stating: "My darling, darling Anne, I've just heard from [John Middleton] Murry that Constable has accepted my book [Bliss and Other Stories] and that you may perhaps do some drawings for it. This last fact simply fills me with joy. Will you do them? It excites me so the thought of them. You know how I admire and love your work -- you blessed woman -- and how proud I am to have your name and mine bras dessus bras dessous ... I've been (don't laugh) ill since December 5th with a cursed heart -- and I can't walk even yet. But the corner is turned and I shall be a well girl again very soon. You know Anne the 'art business' for me is the only thing that matters -- I can't find a substitute which is "both nourishing & satisfying" ... Italy is a cursed spot but France -- is the old, old Story ..."

Details

A 2-page autograph letter, signed "Katherine," from Villa Flora, Menton, [ca. February - April 1920], to Anne [Estelle Drey, née Rice], stating: "My darling, darling Anne, I've just heard from [John Middleton] Murry that Constable has accepted my book [Bliss and Other Stories] and that you may perhaps do some drawings for it. This last fact simply fills me with joy. Will you do them? It excites me so the thought of them. You know how I admire and love your work -- you blessed woman -- and how proud I am to have your name and mine bras dessus bras dessous ... I've been (don't laugh) ill since December 5th with a cursed heart -- and I can't walk even yet. But the corner is turned and I shall be a well girl again very soon. You know Anne the 'art business' for me is the only thing that matters -- I can't find a substitute which is "both nourishing & satisfying" ... Italy is a cursed spot but France -- is the old, old Story ..."
Together with a typed transcript of this letter and further correspondence from the recipient, Anne Estelle Rice, to Pat Lawlor, a biographer of Katherine Mansfield.

Lot Essay

The lot also includes a quantity of related ephemera. Anne Estelle Drey (née Rice, 1879-1959) was an American artist who regularly contributed to Rhythm and became a life-long friend of Katherine Mansfield.

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