| Title |
Autograph letters to Beaton |
| Reference |
A1/166 |
| Creator |
Sir Michael Duff (1907-1980) |
| Covering Dates |
1950–1980 (Circa) |
| Extent and Medium |
10 letters; paper; Manuscript |
|
| Content and context |
3rd Baronet Duff. |
| St John's Library/Beaton/A1/166 contains: |
|
1
|
Autograph letter to Beaton, from Bangor. Hopes Beaton and Eileen will be coming to his birthday party. David Herbert has three boils on his bottom and is in Tangier but still hopes to make the party. Looks forward to seeing Beaton with joy.
2p; paper. |
29 Apr. 1950–29 Apr. 1980 |
|
2
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from London. Beaton was sweet to let him rest and be 'fortified by the "Tatlers" and "Sketches" of yester years'. Shared the coach to London with two Duchesses and a Marquess. Thanks Beaton for the comfort he gave him.
2p; paper. |
1950–1980 |
|
3
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Bangor. Thanks Beaton for his letter. Joan adores Beaton. Can't wait to be in New York. Discusses when they will come.
2p; paper. |
23 Jan. 1950–23 Jan. 1980 |
|
4
|
Autograph letter to Beaton. Enjoyed the weekend. Discusses Ava. Looks forward to seeing Beaton.
2p; paper. |
1950–1980 |
|
5
|
Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from Bangor. The Royal Wedding was 'as pretty as an ice cream'. The news reel of it was ruined by 'triumphant choir boys'. Describes the appearance of Queen Mary. Discusses other guests at the wedding and what they wore. Queen Mary gave a stomacher and a tiara. Duff sent a snuff box from his collection and David gave a Dresden tea service. Queen Mary refused to stand next to the King of Iraq, so Ena had to. Is having a Christmas party. Mentions who will be coming. Sibyl Colefax, Laura Corrigan and Felix Harbord are displeased with him. Laura gave a dinner for seventeen Royalties during the week and outpaced Chips who could only get twelve. Nada Milford Haven's daughter took the King's chair at the wedding and refused to move until David M. H. gave her a 'nautical shove'. Michael of Kent punched William of Gloucester during the wedding rehearsal and 'received a good talking to from granny'.
6p; paper. |
10 Dec. 1947 |
|
6
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Bangor. Shall miss Juliet terribly as she was a great character. Looked at her 'not as a mother, but as a person'. Is proud to be her son.
2p; paper. |
5 Oct. 1965 |
|
7
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Bangor. Thanks Beaton for a marvellous evening. Beaton is 'clever to go on being so clever for so long'.
1p; paper. |
21 Oct. 1960–21 Oct. 1970 |
|
8
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Bangor. Enjoyed reading about Beaton's aunt and was pleased to have met her. Is going to Corfu on Wednesday and will make lots of overtures for them to meet on his return. It was unfortunate that David gave Auntie Beeswax the 'absurd' excuse for not coming to Tony's funeral of judging a dog show in Tangier. Thinks he panicked on the telephone. Era Berline has died. Fears that Princess Anne may turn into a horse. Thinks Christopher McLaren is an 'odious' person. Recounts a conversation between Jeremy Thorpe and Constantine of Greece about the Queen Mother.
8p; paper. |
16 Sep. 1971 |
|
9
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Bangor. Is in London next week for a Gottfried session and shall 'fly on wings' to the V&A. Heard that Queen Mary's favourite Paige made off with some of her toques at the time of her death. He is called George Armstrong. When she was dying, she told George to make sure that the Duke of Gloucester only stayed for five minutes. He did this by telling him there was a whisky and soda waiting for him downstairs. Thinks George should be interviewed on the television. Visited him at Wimbledon but saw no toques.
4p; paper. |
17 Oct. 1971 |
|
10
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Bangor. Saw in the "Daily Telegraph" that George Armstrong has died. Was moved to learn that he leaves a daughter. Hopes he is stuffed and put in a glass case in Marlborough House. Discusses the Japanese visit. David H. will be here soon. His mother is cross that he chose the dog show rather than Tony's funeral.
4p; paper. |
18 Oct. 1971 |
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