Potter, Beatrix

7 pages (7 x 4 3/8 in.; 178 x 110 mm), Castle Cottage, Sawrey, n[ea]r Ambleside, 13 December 1934; tiny stain in upper right corners.

Published in J.C. Morse, ed. Beatrix Potter's Americans: Selected Letters (1982), pp. 62-64

tiny stain in upper right corners
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A wonderful, extensive letter on furniture and politics.

Bertha Mahony Miller (1882-1969) was one of the founders of the Horn Book Magazine, the first magazine exclusively devoted to children's books and reading. Potter was well known for her resistance to publicity and critical writing about her books or her life, but Miller was one of the few people to break through to her. In 1925, in response to two persistent letters, Potter provided Miller with an essay about her roots that remains one of the most frequently quoted passages of Potter’s writing. This opened a floodgate of letters over the next 16 years, moving away from literature to personal life, politics, furniture and farming.

"I think time slips away faster and faster as one grows older; partly because this person when tired falls asleep; which is not conducive to writing letters, or anything else ... I do get the Horn Book regularly ... I wish I could think of something worth while writing for it! It is a splendid publication; the articles and critiques are so alive; and real criticisms speaking out. Here, the review of the new crop of children's books is either indiscriminate exaggerated praise, or silence. I think your mind is occupied with two delightful interests - books and old furniture. There is a periodical on this side - "Country Life" which publishes view of old houses ... we used  to feel that rich Americans were carrying off too many treasures, but it seems as though you have Chippendale & Sheraton furniture of your own ... {she continues on furniture fashion and her own] ... The country people are learning to appreciate polished oak; they have discovered that tourists - American & British - are interested ..."

"I am 'written out' for story books, and my eyes are tired for painting; but I can still take great and useful pleasure in old oak - and drains - and old roofs - and damp walls - oh the repairs! And the difficulty of reconciling ancient relics and modern sanitation? ... I am 68; we have both had colds, it rains & rains & rains & is nearly dark. Things might be worse. I only hope things may not be worse. I am one of the sceptics who refused to sign the L[eague] of Nations manifesto. Your government has not sent troops to the Saar. It is a nightmare. If the Saar vote goes against Germany and the Germans advance - it is not our handful of troops and the League's talking that can stop them ... If they will fight, let them exterminate each other; and hope that England the Colonies and the States may survive to see rule - really rule by power, not by preaching a better world..." She concludes with a postscript about an enclosed photograph of herself as a young girl, no longer present.