Potter, Beatrix

3 pages (6 x 3 3/4 in.; 152 x 95 mm), 2 Bolton Gardens, South Kensington S.W., 28 September 1910, to [Bessie] Hadfield [here spelled "Headfield"], 48 St Johns Park, Blackheath, S.E., with accompanying stamped envelope; a few light spots. With: oval portrait photograph of two girls (probably Kitty and Hilda Hatfield).

See J. Taylor, Letters to Children from Beatrix Potter (1992)

a few light spots; a few tears in envelope
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.

Sending a copy of the privately-printed Tailor.

The Hadfields were New Zealanders who had moved to London for medical treatment. Potter responded to a fan letter, beginning a lengthy correspondence with both mother and daughters (Kitty and Hilda). At an uncharacteristic (for Potter) personal meeting in Blackheath (southeast London), Mrs. Hadfield must have shown particular interest in the china depicted in the Tailor of Gloucester illustrations. In the present letter, Potter sent her a copy of the privately-printed edition of the book (no longer present), drawing her attention to a color picture of a cup that was left out of the Warne edition.

"The china was borrowed from the cobbler's wife at Sawrey. It had been in her mother's family, some of it was very old, especially the cup without a handle, beside the Lady-mouse ... I wish I had not had to keep the children at 'arms length,' I am not generally so severely distant with them! I did enjoy my visit to you, it does one good to see anybody come through a time of trial with faith and courage. I do not know how to talk religion or write it in my books; but I can see when faith is there."

This is, according to Bessie's nephew, the only one of Potter's letters to Bessie that has survived, the others, along with the rest of Bessie's correspondence, " ...was all destroyed in a bonfire" (see Taylor).