Lot Details
Lot 1058
[BEATON, CECIL] ELIOT, THOMAS STEARNS. Typed letter signed to Cecil Beaton, Esq.
London: 15th July 1943. Typed letter signed on Eliot's Faber & Faber stationery, signed "T.S. Eliot" in ink. 8 x 7 inches (20 x 17.5 cm). Usual folds.
A mildly hilarious letter, addressed to Beaton at his 8 Pelham Place SW7 address, rejecting an offer of a portrait, reading in part: "I am an admirer of your work and would commit my face to your photography with as little apprehension as to anybody, but I confess that I do not welcome the prospect of appearing in a book of contemporary portraits even with the benefit of your art. Perhaps I am not happy about my contemporaries; also I think it is better publicity for me to have as little publicity as possible; also I dislike very much putting on a stiff collar, but I dislike even more portraits of people in soft ones." Eliot did eventually relent, as several portraits by Beaton testify.
C Estate of Thomas P. Lacy
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