| Title |
Letters to Beaton |
| Reference |
A1/280 |
| Creator |
Charles James (1906-1978) |
| Covering Dates |
1930–1973 (Circa) |
| Extent and Medium |
10 letters; paper; Mixed |
|
| Content and context |
Dressmaker. |
| St John's Library/Beaton/A1/280 contains: |
|
1
|
Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from New York. Feels that he is not embittered, as Beaton writes in his book, and has a 'remarkable faculty for forgetting grievance which others would remember'. Sometimes falls into despair when exploited, but this state of mind changes. Is sending Beaton a long letter which he may not like, but will recognize the truth of. Beaton must remember that he has spent his life working and trying to find the funds to pay help. It was he who brought Beaton back into the advertising field at a bad moment in his financial situation, never expecting to lose the account to him.
1p; paper. |
29 July 1973 |
|
2
|
Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from New York. Was sorry to hear about Beaton's prostate operation. Was sent Beaton's book. Extensively discusses Beaton's comments about him in his book. Feels that Beaton has treated him unfairly in many ways and has let him down several times out of greed. Discusses negative professional experience with Samuel Winston. Feels Beaton's criticism of him is unjustified. Beaton forgets that it was he that introduced him into the Johnson and Johnson account when, for 'an indiscretion bordering on vulgar insolence', he was not used in American media at all. Thinks that Beaton should have been grateful for this. Criticises Beaton for accepting an offer from Johnson and Johnson which meant they did not renew James's contract. Objects to Beaton writing about him in this way as it may hurt his business position. Was pleased to see Beaton knighted. Comments on the tragedy of Margaret Case's death. Is going to send Beaton pictures of various people for his records.
8p; paper. |
30 July 1973 |
|
3
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Beaton's note was the nicest present he has had all year. All Beaton said in it was true. Consoles himself that only those who know what true unhappiness is can know real happiness. Is financially out of his depth. Mr James asked him to make the Losch hat and now Losch thinks he is wonderful. It was sweet of Beaton to ask him the other day and he enjoyed himself.
2p; paper. |
1950–1970 |
|
4
|
Autograph letter to Beaton. Was not rude to Anne, but she got on everyone's nerves. The whole show was late because she sent away the dressmaker. She is splendid as a saleswoman but she is not a professional. Has had no maid for two months and has helped to sweep the carpets himself. After what Beaton said, he realized that their plans were thin and that they must have more facts to go on. Now that he has the clothes made, all he needs is the same organisation that he had in New York.
2p; paper. |
1930–1940 |
|
5
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from New York. Never answered Beaton's letter, but treasured it. Thinks he may never go back to England. Did not feel as Beaton did about the war. Has not found happiness but has worked hard. Has at last had a break, but of a difficult sort with E. Arden. Is proud of Beaton. His heart was in his mouth when he heard of Beaton's accident.
4p; paper. |
1939–1944 |
|
6
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Has got hold of the model that "Vogue" used for the hats. Discusses Lady Duff Gordon. Feels full of optimism. Thinks Beaton's real happiness is doing things for other people.
2p; paper. |
1930–1940 |
|
7
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Thinks 'she' is not interested in learning the business and has no experience. She can be uselful with the clientele. Expected Beaton to be pleased that the show had gone so well. Beaton's attitude and pessimism made him feel like everything had been in vain. Realises that all his ill will and nerves are just over-tiredness. Knows how many worries Beaton has but thinks that if they can get together and make some definite plan in the next few weeks they will have success. Is grateful to Beaton and Oliver for organising the show.
3p; paper. |
1930–1940 |
|
8
|
Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Never answered Beaton's letter because he needed time and distance to do so. Cannot remember what he wrote to Beaton. The Moders(?) affair is an unpleasant memory as it was something difficult for him to get and on getting it, he turned to Beaton to share. Feels that Beaton is not a generous person. If he was he would have taken a picture of James's wife as a wedding present. But Beaton has been called on for things from which James has been spared. Beaton had the burden of keeping his family going. Admires Beaton's achievements more than he knows. But Beaton descends to second rate tricks, which may be why he is successful. Reflects on their relationship.
8p; paper. |
1960–1970 |
|
9
|
Autograph letter to Beaton, from New York. It was not fair to ask James to listen in without seeing just where Beaton's play failed in being biographical. The frailties that make Beaton a great personality are not the ones he is conscious of. Seems that Beaton's play lacks a mental direction as to its values. Beaton has had great success, but this does not make for creative work, which is 'more often the offspring of conflict and failure'. Would like to hear a serious play by Beaton. Heard that Beaton was hurt at his not going behind at his opening. Was very ill at the time and never thought the Wilde thing worthy of Beaton. Sees Beaton with the same affection that his mother does. Will be anxious to hear how Beaton's contract works out.
2p; paper. |
1950–1960 |
|
10
|
Autograph letter to Beaton, from New York. Feels sad that their differences in method make Beaton bitter. Respects Beaton's intelligence and convictions. Beaton's experience of the conflict going on must not allow him to lose his ability to look at things in a general way. Asks himself what the best way out is for the majority of people. Beaton has hurt less people in his career than James has, despite his good intentions. Thinks Beaton has a good and generous nature. Whatever happens, his feelings of fondness for Beaton will remain constant. Writes to Beaton so that if he does not want to see James again, he has a record of his sentiments. Bought Beaton's book and thinks it shows brilliance.
6p; paper. |
1940–1960 |
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