Potter, Three autograph letters signed to various recipients, and a letter from William Heelis, 1917-41

From the Collection of Judy Taylor, MBE

POTTER, BEATRIX

Three autograph letters signed (“Beatrix Heelis” and “H.B. Heelis”) to various recipients, comprising:

i) autograph letter signed to Esther [Nicholson] expressing interest in the “particulars of your exam”, warning “don’t spoil your eyes or health with too much reading…” and noting “I have bought a cow to distract my thoughts…”, 4 pages, 8vo, 13 September 1917, Sawrey Ambleside, some creases and spotting; ii) autograph letter to Mr Rawe discussing road repairs, suitability of stone blocks for window sills and slate for roofs, 2 pages, 4to, 26 September 1934, Castle Cottage, some tears and nicks; iii) autograph letter signed to Maggie [Ellery] feeling “ashamed when I wait so long, neglecting old friends who find pleasure in seeing me again. I ought to have come before…” and expressing concern over state of the war (“The news is very anxious – it looks like a long war, and terrible fighting. When the Germans conquer another country to eat up – it helps them to last a while longer. Their time will come…”), 2 pages, 4to, 13 April 1941, Castle Cottage, browning, tears and minor loss--[together with] Heelis, W. Autograph letter from William Heelis (“Wm Heelis”) to Miss Mills following his wife’s hospital operation in April 1939, 2 pages, 8vo, 8 April 1939, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

Esther Nicholson was one of Willie Heelis’s nieces. Judy Taylor notes in Beatrix Potter’s Letters (London, 1989) that “in 1915 Beatrix took on the financial responsibility for Esther’s education”.

PROVENANCE:

item i) John Wilson (Autographs), January 1989 and iii) David Temperley, March 1988

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