Janus: Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

St John's Library/Beaton/A1 contains:
<-- See earlier
296	Postcard to Beaton
297	Typescript letters and card to Beaton
298	Typescript letter signed from to Beaton
299	Autograph letter to Beaton, from Venice
300	Autograph letters to Beaton
301	Letters to Beaton
302	Autograph letters to Beaton
303	Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from London
304	Letters to Beaton
305	Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from London
306	Autograph letter signed to Beaton
See later -->

More information

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Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Title	Letters to Beaton
Reference	A1/301
Creator	Dr Rudolf (Kaetchen) Kommer (d 1943)
Covering Dates	20 July 1929–1 Sep. 1942
Extent and Medium	5 letters; paper; Mixed

St John's Library/Beaton/A1/301 contains:

Autograph letter to Beaton, from Salzburg. Incomplete. There were no bathrooms available at the Oesterr Hof so has booked rooms for Beaton and his sister at a nice hotel around the corner. The rooms are very pleasant and they cost twenty Austrian shillings each.
1p; paper.

20 July 1929

Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from New York. Has to dictate this letter as he is tortured by neuritis. Encloses Beaton's generous cheque. As the best judge of Beaton's finances, feels that he cannot afford to give such extravagant Christmas gifts. Beaton has written two generous pages about him. Though he is grateful, cannot accept Beaton's analysis. Suspects himself of conceit and has always had a deep conviction that 'none of my friends could ever make a train unless I took them to the station and put them into their car'. Feels pleased to have solved Beaton's difficulties with the Conde Nast publications and to have prepared his defence against the aggression of the income tax authorities. Proposes receiving one of Beaton's drawings as a gift instead of the cheque. Appreciates Beaton's intentions. Is glad to find someone who does not resent help but overflows into an abundance of gratitude. An amazing number of people in New York miss Beaton and are comforted by the false news that he will arrive shortly. Gives Beaton advice about his income tax returns.
3p; paper.

9 Jan. 1939

Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from New York. Believes that Beaton's American publisher is exaggerating the importance of the few letters of protest which he has received. There are always some 'idle lunatics' who enjoy writing this sort of letter. Is going to take up Beaton's case with two or three leaders of Jewish opinion. Implores Beaton not to develop a persecution complex. Conde Nast admits he never actually received any protest from any of his advertisers. Thinks Beaton's publishers are using the Jewish issue as an alibi. The sales of his book in America suffer because the book is too expensive and because New Yorkers in not very interested in books about New York. Read Cerf's review and thought it was malicious and unfair.
1p; paper.

14 Feb. 1939

Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from New York. Letter responding to Beaton's plan of an exhibition in aid of Jewish refugees. Thinks that such a gesture would be misunderstood. Outsiders would think Beaton's sympathy was not genuine. Lunched with Bennett Cerf and gave him a piece of his mind. He swore his view was against the book and not against Beaton. Told Cerf that he is going to form a reception committee consisting exclusively of prominent Jews to welcome Beaton on his next arrival in America. Cerf agreed to serve as one of the vice-presidents on this committee.
1p; paper.

22 Feb. 1939

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Vermont. Letter reporting on Beaton's various friends and their doings. Praises Clare Luce. Lists her various activities. Since the outbreak of war, they have been at variance about every political and international issue. Luce has been patient and loyal despite this. Comments on the spirit of intolerance that has ruled supreme since Pearl Harbour. Admires Winston Churchill's recognition of the need for national unity. Praises Franklin Roosevelt's efforts to temper inner-political passions. Describes weekend with Luce and Iris. Pleaded with Luce not to publish her book, "Europe in the Spring", as he felt that it cruelly ridiculed the French and English. However, the book was popular in America and successful in England. Kommer was amazed and felt something must be wrong in his head, as he was alone in his disgust. Luce forgave him for his advice and told him that Beaton had given her hell for the book. Feels comforted that Beaton felt the same about it as he did. Gives news of Mona. Discusses Harrison's age and kindness. He was a stolid isolationist but since Pearl Harbour, has become a steady patriot. Describes Natasha and praises her femininity. Gives news of Dorothy and Bill. Describes Tilly's efforts to return to England and gives tidings of her activities. Gives report of Liz, Raimund and Doris. The war has not been kind to Doris and she has become very bitter. Nicolas Nabokoff has married.
15p; paper.

1 Sep. 1942