Details
WINSTON SPENCER CHURCHILL (1874-1965)
A collection of memorabilia connected with Churchill's informal trip to North Africa, 17 December 1950 - 20 January 1951. The collection, formed by Captain John Adams, pilot of Churchill's chartered plane the Discoverer, and his wife, Irayna, a stewardess on the same plane, comprises:-
Typed letter signed ("Winston S. Churchill") to Captain John Adams, one page, 8vo, 28 Hyde Park Gate, London, 3 February 1951.
"Now that we are all home safely after our stay in Marrakech I want to thank you for all the very special care you took in connection with the various flights we made in your 'plane, DISCOVERER. I always felt completely at ease and in good hands, and I particularly enjoyed our hops over the Atlas mountains. Pray accept my warm thanks for all your kindness and attention to our comfort and safety.
I have signed a copy of my little book, PAINTING AS A PASTIME, and also a photograph, which I send you with my good wishes and as a token of my appreciation."
Painting as a pastime, London, Odhams Press, 1949, 8°, third impression, PRESENTATION COPY, the front free endpaper inscribed: "From Winston S. Churchill, 1951," plates and illustrations, original cloth, dust-jacket (worn).
Six informal photographs of Churchill taken during the trip, including one showing Churchill painting 'en plein air' in Morocco, 11 x 8¾in., and 2 of Churchill flying the plane at 14,000ft. over the Atlas Mountains, 3½ x 2½in. each.
Nine letters from Irayna Adams to her family, 36 pages, 4to and 8vo, giving detailed accounts of the trip, 7 letters from Morocco, 20 December 1950 - 14 January 1951, 2 letters written on return "home," 22-24 January 1951.
A quantity of ephemera, including a 5 minute video tape taken by Irayna showing previously unseen footage of Churchill inspecting a French Guard of Honour in North Africa, and a Habanna cigar in original wrappers, given by Churchill to Captain John Adams during the trip.
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