- 103
Peake, Mervyn.
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Three autograph letters signed, to Ruth ffolliott Shackle
- ink on paper
the first a love-letter ("...I have become the most inarticulate man in England. It is my arms that seem to want to do the speaking..."), the two later letters congratulating her on her engagement to Thomas Turner and shortly after her marriage, discussing his family life and work ("...I have just about completed the second book, to be called "Titus in Chaos"..."), illustrated with five pen and ink sketches, 13 pages, Manresa Road, Chelsea, Sark, and Embankment Gardens, London, 4 July [1946?] to 30 December 1949, the last with an autograph envelope; together with an autograph love poem signed, 'To Ruth', 8 lines, 1 page, 8vo, and a head and shoulders Contê crayon portrait of Ruth Shackle, 235 x 320mm, signed and dated 1946, framed and glazed (frame size 360 x 440)
Condition
Condition is described in the body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Ruth Shackle had been married to the well-known broadcaster Howard Marshall, but during the war he left her for the flamboyant socialite and writer Nerina Shute (a marriage that later collapsed when Nerina began a passionate affair with their French maid). Ruth's relationship with Peake is evoked by the first passionate letter, his sensuous portrait, and most of all by the poem, which begins: "All bearings lost in this so great a fever | For ever through love's weather wandering..."