| Title |
Autograph letters to Beaton |
| Reference |
A1/443 |
| Creator |
Jean ('Lilia') Ralli (d 1977) |
| Covering Dates |
28 Oct. 1936–10 Oct. 1947 (Many undated.) |
| Extent and Medium |
33 letters ; 5 fragments; paper; Manuscript |
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| St John's Library/Beaton/A1/443 contains: |
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1
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Hopes all is looking nicer. She also has been in bed a lot. Has not stayed up late for a long time. There is a feeling of holiday about the place. "Bubarr" is returning this week. She liked Vienna and seems less nervous. Marie Louise is again laid up. Bebe is always here but so busy. Mr Eubiricos is still "talking refined Greek in Athens". Nathalie is "very gay and well". Asks Beaton to try and come over. She cannot move from here before the month. Much later on she will go to London. Sends a "pot of love".
4p; paper. |
28 Oct. 1936 |
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2
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Why must Beaton go to New York? It is very wicked at this moment. Hopes they don't quite miss each other. Will be in London on the 27th. When does Beaton sail to "that hasty place"? Went to see Jean after his taxi accident. Bebe is laid up too. It has been a very Italian week. Is feeling so well again and would love life to be brighter.
4p; paper. |
16 Nov. 1936 |
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3
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Has been wanting to tell Beaton so much. Since she got here things have never stopped happening. All at once it is almost Christmas. Cannot tell him how terribly upset P.G. was. Will return to Paris after Christmas. Beaton must write and tell her his news. Was sorry not to find him here.
4p; paper. |
22 Dec. 1936 |
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4
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Beaton must get this soon as last week she could not write having got up every morning to "violent exercises & long walks". Got Beaton's letters. Remembers "how easily your energy could abandon you for no reason & how nervous you were at times". Is happy to know he again feels his own self. Asks Beaton not to let people read her letters. Prince Nicholas had to have a new uniform. By Monday 13th the Prince will have left for Paris. Discusses friends' plans and her own. Baba has an abcess in her jaw. She and Johnnie have taken a house with "several entrances" and a "huge garden". They do not realise what an expense it will be. She will visit it tomorrow. Is going by train, but may try the ferry as the fogs are continuing to be black and thick. Has ordered some more clothes. Has seen Bebe and Boris's flat. Will write to Beaton from London.
6p; paper. |
8 Dec. 1937 |
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5
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. She cannot wear skis yet, but feels she can settle down to a more "human" letter than the "awful" last one she sent him. Was determined to tell Beaton how excited she was about the jewellery, and was "touched to tears" by his extraordinary kindness. Did not know that the meaning of her letter was clear. Cannot stop wearing the "cascade of amethysts". Discusses an ill friend. Told him to get that doctor who saved her and who "looks like J. Cagney". He told them all about New York. Is disappointed that Beaton said in his last letter that he could not come over. Feels that he strains himself by doing too much. Tells Beaton about her journey on the Tirol Express. Describes the hotel. She cannot yet ski because of her heart but the mountain air is doing her much good. They had Tirolean dances and some yodelling after dinner, and spoke of Athens. Discusses their royal family. It has been quite a job keeping reporters away. Never dreamt that a picture would be so lovely. Asks Beaton to write soon.
12p; paper. |
20 Jan. 1938 |
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6
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Autograph letter to Beaton. Beginning of the letter is in French. Asks how it feels to see Ashcombe "en plein printemps". Here it is cold and wet, and she keeps hearing how warm the spring is in Greece. The "dreary Isabelle" has been at her worst. Feeling ashamed, she asked her to go and see a film and "she got here before I had even had my bath". George dined and said so much about his trip. Thanks Beaton for his letter. Was excited to see him again after so long. Asks him to come again soon.
4p; paper. |
1 May 1939 |
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7
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Liked to hear from Beaton. Was hoping that the "boring" cold had left him to work comfortably. It must be "terrifying to be left alone with such beastly taxes". Hopes that the next time she comes over she does less "bouncing up and down" on the high road. Discusses her continuing illness. Often lies in bed, as "my brain is in a coma quite often and does not mind being left alone". Tonight she is being "had" by Laura to attend the Ambassadeur's opening night, so is resting in bed all day. Wishes she had gone out on Sunday night as she has heard two different stories of what happened. On Saturday she is seeing "that lousy Boeuf" again. Is convinced that Lola is separating from her husband. Describes Baba's house, which is "getting so pretty". David wrote that he is coming over again later on. Feels this letter is "like one of those endless telephone calls that exasperate one". Discusses her dentist.
8p; paper. |
11 May 1938 |
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8
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Athens. Has just seen Beaton's wire and understands the reasons which drew him back home. Hates the thought of being stranded on an island "which your fleet would instantly wipe out completely should developments be speeded up". Is alone in the country house with Eleni and an old couple who look after it. Her parents are still in Switzerland. Is very pessimistic and fears the worst. Describes the "scented woods and bushes and thyme" all around her. Describes her trips around Greece. Asks Beaton if everything is going well for him. Has had no news from Natasha, Denise or Baba. Charles does not know if he is going to Asia Minor or not. Misses not seeing Beaton.
6p; paper. |
24 Aug. 1939 |
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9
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Athens. There is so little to say when there is so much to hurt one. Had been so ill with "premonitions and nightmares" that her past letters must have been unwelcome. The prospect of immediate war here is temporary until Italy declares herself. Her mind is "tortured with worry". Asks where everybody is. Is Ashcombe well camouflaged? Asks about Beaton's family. Thinks of him every minute. His last letter was "scented with summer country-life" and had "something so poignant" about it. All their hopes are turned towards England and France. John has still given no signs of life. Has to write in English as it is less trouble for the censor; and they are only allowed one sheet of paper.
2p; paper. |
6 Sept. 1939 |
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10
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Is now on the point of leaving. It has been fixed for Thursday. On Saturday noon she will be in Athens and Beaton can write her "Grande Bretagne" once more. Hopes Beaton has received all of her letters. Describes a nightclub she visited with Michael Colefax. What a surprise it was to get "My Royal Past"! Never expected anything so wonderful. She "almost tore it to pieces in my excitement to get at it!". Discusses the various papers and letters that she has read. Has not been able to show Beaton's book around yet as she has been in bed with tummy pains. Princess Olga is sitting writing madly to catch the post. There is still the Christmas shopping for her boys to see to. Has spent her week writing letters of sympathy. There were so many losses in town, mostly elderly and sick people. Doesn't believe she will be able to find a flat in Athens with hot water. There are never enough cupboards in winter, with thick coats. Would like to stay on in Greece for two to three months. By then, unfortunately, invasions might cause them to take certain steps. Hopes these things will not happen, as like illnesses that one hears of, these things "always seem to be destined for others". Feels she has been poisoned by a dish she has eaten. Sends Beaton endless love.
8p; paper. |
4 Dec. 1939 |
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11
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Athens. Did Beaton ever get her letter, posted during the first days of November? After that, she received his letter of October 26th. She "wept with joy", even though it took two months to arrive, and she was reading it on Christmas Eve. She then received his letter from New York which took three months to arrive. Discusses the problem of letters. Beaton seems to be doing so much. Gets herself exhausted with her own very simple job. Wonders how much one can contribute to something which is so vast and important. The wounded soldiers are very merry and healthy and have the most self-sacrificing souls. They are thankful for the smallest kindness and don't realise at all that they have done anything exceptional. When she leaves the 9th Military Hospital she always feels she takes back a little present each time: "it brings more light in my life than anything else I was taught to admire". There is a great shortage of nurses. Nearly every available premises have been requisitioned and turned into hospitals. The wounded arrive by the hundreds and thousands every day. There was an air-raid while she was writing to Beaton and two planes were got down in Pinaeus. Has volunteered for the boats from Missolonghi to Pinaeus. It is a big job but she got herself in it because there is a shortage of good sailors among Greek women. Encloses a snapshot of the hospital where she works as group captain. She actually orders about "some great big women much older". Peter Coats has been here. He is wonderful, with such a practical sense and no nonsense. Discusses some other friends who have stayed. This letter started peacefully at the weekend and seems to have gone on writing itself during the week.
8p; paper. |
20 Jan. 1941 |
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12
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Autograph letter to Beaton, from Athens. Asks Beaton if he got her last two letters. Is anxious to have fresher news. Has not heard from Natasha since July. An American Vogue of November just came in: it had little interest, but the paper smelt so good and there was so much colour about it. It has been an icy cold weekend. Discusses Eleni's engagement. Stephane's last news got here yesterday. Feels refreshed and renewed after her short weekend. Describes her eventful week. Last page missing.
4p; paper. |
3 Feb. 1941–7 Feb. 1941 |
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13
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Autograph letter to Beaton, from Alexandria. Beaton's wire was brought in this afternoon. Was worried as she had had no reply to the telegram she sent soon after she arrived in Alexandria. Wondered if he had been once more bombed out of Pelham Place. Has followed Beaton's work in Vogue & Tatler so that she can know about some of Beaton's occupations. Vogue USA asked her for an article on refugee life in Alexandria, but she did not have the heart. She must let it come naturally "as I really feel I belong to nowhere and nothing". The raids have been quite exhausting. Her father has not been well. Last page missing.
2p; paper. |
14 June 1941–30 June 1941 |
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14
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Alexandria. Hopes this letter will be in time to bring Beaton best Christmas wishes. Has had lots of news of Beaton. It was "heaven" hearing he was doing so much. Has not heard from Beaton since she left France nine months ago, except for his telegram in May. Describes the weather since she arrived. Eleni is still looking after her small flat. There is a shortage of food and other goods, like gas, fuel and coal. Asks how many people will survive, in the end. Stephane is serving here in H.Q. Asks Beaton about his mother and sisters.
4p; paper. |
10 Dec. 1941 |
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15
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Athens. For several weeks the "soft and radiant pink" scarf has been with her and she blessed Beaton for sending it to her. Beaton's "dear letter" also gave her pleasure. Discusses the October weather. Is planning a visit to Paris via Switzerland. Will Beaton be able to come out here at all? Is glad that Ashcombe has been replaced by the new place he "extravagantly went and bought". Hopes Beaton will send some snaps. Gathers that life in England is becoming more difficult to cope with. New rationing is soon coming in. Olga is still staying on. Many friends went abroad during the summer and have not returned.
4p; paper. |
10 Oct. 1947 |
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16
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Autograph letter to Beaton. Discusses her European trip. Made it up with "The Family" before she left, but they are "so unrealistic, so unconstructive, so full of inadequate advices & staleness" that they make her very mad. Donna Juliet wrote to her about her Venetian adventures. Asks Beaton if he has anything for her to live "comfortably and nicely" in throughout the various events she is attending. Nightlife is a problem as "one suddenly finds oneself doing new things but not suitably dressed for it". She and Eleni both "went into a trance" over the sketch picture. Wants to build a Lord Byron museum in Missolonghi. The town is poor and flat; it is only the Hpwor which is romantic and full of character. Lucy is "doing something very pretty" to Beaton's circumcision hats.
8p; paper. |
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17
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. She nearly drowned on the ferry. Perhaps it is quieter just to fly. Princess Nicholas' maid almost died of seasickness. Beaton's red carpet has been smuggled in successfully. The weekend was just the thing after the crossing. At night they played charades and guessing games. The Duchess of Gloucester came in to tea yesterday. Then there was a huge dinner, as Princess Marina was 31. Then she went to another party. David is in a heavenly mood. The Duke is looking well, but worrying about the Christmas shopping. Discusses the Duke and Duchess's travelling plans. Asks Beaton if he would like to go to Switzerland. When does he return and what are his plans?.
8p; paper. |
14 Dec. |
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18
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Has enlarged the turquoise collection thanks to Beaton's "lovely & generous & monumental" Christmas gift. When the African sun bursts on her again she will remember "with nostalgic wistfulness" her three-month stay in England. Wonders how many years will separate them again. Will miss his stimulating friendship. Wishes Beaton a happy Christmas and New Year. Thanks him again for the numerous kindnesses which touched her to tears.
2p; paper. |
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19
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Discusses which picture is best. Beaton's letter was very charming and flattering. Never feels more entertained than when she is in his company. Loved being in London and at Ashcombe.
2p; paper. |
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20
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. The heat is quite unbelievable. Woke up on the train thinking she had a temperature. Had had a lot of champagne at the restaurant the night before. Describes the Hall at the Exelcior, "just crawling with royalty". Stayed last night with Nicholas and Olga. Describes some of the royals she met. Asks Beaton what he finally did.
2p; paper. |
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21
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Had been wanting to write to Beaton often. Had such a shock when his Vogue news came. Prince Paul in Belgrade said that the way democracy is going in the USA it looks "fiercer than Bolshevism". Supposes Beaton will have a lovely time now looking about and writing his autobiography. Everyone seems to be doing ballet there. Athens was in full spring; she had forgotten what it was like. The Princess Nicholas is brokenhearted, but won't hear of staying with one of the daughters permanently. It is so sad that the Prince should have died so suddenly: the only member of the Royal Family to have "any knowledge or taste for arts". Baba is busy coping with her new palazzo. Describes her efforts trying to track down Beaton. Is coming to London on Wednesday and will be staying at the Splendide. Discusses her plans. Hopes to have her new day clothes when she returns. Asks Beaton when they should go out.
6p; paper. |
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22
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Just received a letter from the Duchess enclosing the two Vogue pages. It was thrilling to see the pictures and flattering descriptions of herself. Is trying to find courage for the painful wrench of the departure. Has appreciated living near such dear friends. Is longing to read the Diary in book form. Asks Beaton what he is coping with now. Is happy David's job is interesting. Hopes to hear from Beaton very soon. Must now go and collect the objects sprawled all over the floor and press them into two small bags.
2p; paper. |
6 Mar. |
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23
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Seine-et-Oise. Had left Greece when Beaton's long letter came. It was extraordinary to read Beaton's plans about coming over just as she was telling him about her plans for Paris. Hopes they do not miss each other. Is happy for Beaton's job. It will mean more action and new material for what interests him. Weekended here after 9 exhausting days with little sleep. Describes all she has done and seen. She isn't well and will see a surgeon on Wednesday. Princess Olga picks her up on 1st May. Found Emerald and talked about Beaton.
6p; paper. |
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24
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from France. Did not know Beaton was back yet. His letter came to Lausanne, where she had had to stay on alone after catching a chill. Had written him a very long letter after the return from Dalmatia. Was distressed to hear all had been like that as she knew how upset he had been about his father. Answered his letter at Alice's but has heard nothing since. Paris is delicious as John is still away. It is so "filthily cold" that it is cruel to be reduced to "gay little 'spring numbers'!". Asks Beaton to come over for Edouard's "repetition". Hopes Beaton is feeling better.
4p; paper. |
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25
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Cairo. Hopes her parcel reached Beaton safely. Got to Joan's yesterday. Is ashamed for not writing for so long. The letter she received in May was wonderful and made her more conscious of how deeply she resents being separated from the dearest of her friends. Beaton's book has been delighting everyone she passes it on to. Asks him what he is doing now. Discusses her previous illness. Remembering last autumn's trip is painful, finding herself in such an awful place now. There is less "condensation" in friends' lives. The weather is very hot. Discusses the plans of her friends. Will write again soon.
4p; paper. |
5 Nov. |
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26
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. These spasmodic mails keep her "breathless with letter-thirst" for weeks. Beaton's letter arrived first. Was delighted to read about the revival of his play and of his short stories. Eleni walked in while she was reading it, with a "ton" of possessions of all kinds. As Eleni was the first of them to go to the war, great excitement greeted her. Discusses the news she brought. Is sitting up in bed enjoying this "orgy of news". They have all had ghastly colds. Princess Nicholas "does not believe in illnesses nor in fighting them". Prince Paul went out shooting and they all went out to meet him. He is looking much better even though he has so much unpleasantness to deal with. They have had a lot of Poles through with "ghastly" details of what is going on. Princess Olga has been appointed head of all Red Cross organisations, which is a colossal job. They were all delighted with the photos but she particularly loved some which were not chosen. It would be nice to have more proofs sent out here. They are all on the lookout for "Sketch" and "Tatler". Will be staying here until Monday 6th. Saw 3 small snaps of Beaton's of the Queen, who had sent them herself to Prince Paul. One is "not allowed to write private letters to private friends thro' 'The Bag'", but Princess Olga demanded that she do it for her sake. Will trust that it reaches Ashcombe quickly, as she has no London address for him. Asks Beaton about their friends. Feels sad to be leaving here so soon. Must get up for lunch now.
11p; paper. |
30th |
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27
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Autograph letter to Beaton. Got back late last night. It was nice to find the letter and all Beaton's news. Is pleased Beaton found a little house with gardens. Asks for more details about it. Was longing to come over at the end of June but now she has to stay in Alexandria to see her mother. Instead she will come over in July for a long stay. Hopes Beaton got her letter in which she told him of the various costume parties. The ballet had a huge success last night.
2p; paper. |
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28
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Beverly Hills. Found Beaton's sweet telegram on arrival. Was sorry not to have seen him as they left. Is sure he felt thrilled to be doing so well. It is lovely to hear everyone praising his talent. Wishes he was staying on. However, "one can't forever strain one's nerves". Describes her uncomfortable journey. When the journey ended they were greeted with thick, pouring rain. Dined out at the Trocadero and went to the Clover Club. Today it is hot and sunny and "one feels lucky to be alive". Will be aching to see the next Vogue. Loved the photos but felt that she was not quite a good enough model. Hopes Beaton will have a rest on the boat and that he has nice company with him.
8p; paper. |
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29
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Gezira. Wonders if her telegram reached Beaton. Is anxious to know if he has been bombed out of Pelham Place again. Loved hearing about his work, life and friends. Describes the evacuation procedure to Alexandria. Is worried that she will not know what has become of Eleni. Her parents are staying on here but she is going to Kenya when her permit comes. John has stayed in Switzerland of course. The simplest thing would be for her to go to England. The idea of "Germans and Italians all over Greece" is dreadful.
4p; paper. |
4 June |
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30
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Autograph letter to Beaton. It is awful how weeks fly past when one would want to stretch them to twice their length. There is such a lot that will remain unfinished when she leaves the house on July 2nd. Is busy sorting out the Greek stuff. Supposes Pavlik Tchlitchew has told Beaton she wrote to him about his passport. She had Princess Olga put in a word as they are "boring" about Russians. Asks about Tchlitchew's exhibition. Hopes she will see the pictures Beaton speaks of when she comes over. Discusses what she is doing until then. Daisy is being very intimate with Baba, having private lunches. Discusses her proposed journey to England. Last page missing.
6p; paper. |
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31
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Never felt so rushed as these days in London. Scarcely saw anything of Beaton. Now she is "off to the Nazis". Will return there Sunday or Monday. Enjoyed so much wearing the hatpins. Everybody wanted Beaton's news. Must warn Beaton that the Duke and Duchess were peeping behind the studio door so she could not put Beaton's name down in the book. Elsie has brought back 5 necklaces. Johnny brought back imitation birds. Hopes Beaton is staying on a long time. Asks him to write to her. She scarcely saw Beaton as it was hectic with shopping. Will have long restful mornings in bed in Munich. Asks Beaton and David to bring her some of the things from Belgrave Square and send the bill to her. She and Eleni are longing to dress up the cupboards again. Will bring her skis back from Munich. Perhaps David can borrow some as she has some extra ones. Hopes Beaton can come over to Paris.
8p; paper. |
24th |
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32
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Autograph letter to Beaton, from Cairo. Was so overcome by the situation on that horrible night that she forgot to send Beaton her "little debt". Apologises, and encloses it with this letter. Wonders how Beaton's trip went. Feels exhausted after this 6 days. There were no air raids worth mentioning and she went back to Alexandria as soon as the blitz was stemmed. Soon life began to creep back, but the port and the hospitals remained empty. Got her yellow fever inoculation, which gave her a liver attack. Also saw Aubrey Moody and Hamish, who had three wounds. Leaves tomorrow at dawn. Discusses the preparations she has made for her journey. Gives Beaton her new address in Kenya. Plans to do some war work after her three-month rest there as she will be stronger. Must stop to go and have the bags weighed. Everyone is "quiet and well". Last page missing.
4p; paper. |
21 July |
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33
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from London. It seems as unreal to be leaving now as it was coming here. Reminisces about her trip. The "shifting situations" have left her mentally exhausted. Discusses the implications of the present situation. Cannot think why this letter is getting so gloomy. The news of the tank column reaching up near Rheims shook her to pieces. Had a very anxious cable from Egypt. Has good faith that they will reach Belgrade on Sunday morning. Will then proceed to Greece, and trusts to get out safely within a fortnight. Asks Beaton to give the little Greek snood to Natasha. Wishes she could write to her but "I don't feel much like writing anymore". Is pleased Beaton is again doing "dirty Vogue business" until he is put in some interesting war work. Hopes he writes often.
6p; paper. |
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34
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Fragment of autograph letter signed to Beaton. Would like one more copy of it [Beaton's book?] to give to Stephane as a Christmas present. He is in a wonderful mood, has dropped several "blondes" and plays a lot of golf. Describes the Christmas presents she has received. Asks Beaton to post the book but never to refer to the enclosed cheque in his letters. If he has anything else to communicate he can send a message with the bearer of this note. Sends Beaton good wishes for 1940.
2p; paper. |
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35
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Fragment of autograph letter to Beaton, from Athens. Discusses her weekend in Paris. Describes the doings of her friends. Here the country is buried under snow for weeks on end. In the evenings she often stays at home, now and then having friends in for drinks. Eleni's brother has not returned and she gathers he was shot down. Corfu is no more. Feels they must be grateful to so far have been spared. Cannot bear to think that they have borne this winter's hardships for nothing. Stephane is serving somewhere in Egypt. Asks Beaton to write to her.
4p; paper. |
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36
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Fragment of autograph letter to Beaton, from Passy. Asks Beaton to join the "Racine" party of Etienne's. Discusses ideas for costumes. Tells Beaton about her tour. The town was charming and "that spring smell of wysteria and acacia" was present. Stephane enjoyed driving his new little car. Asks Beaton if he is coming over with the others.
2p; paper. |
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37
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Fragment of autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Beli Dvor. Discusses the weather. It has been snowing here again. Did not think Beaton was putting up the London house. Did not know Francis Rose stayed on three months with him. Would like to see the tapestry work that Beaton is doing. The Duke and Duchess went to London for the weekend. Must say goodbye and finish off the other unanswered letters piled up in a "menacing" way.
2p; paper. |
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38
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Fragment of autograph letter to Beaton. It seems unreal and marvellous to see small orange trees in front of the King George Hotel dropping with oranges at Christmas time. Describes the scenery and the weather. Walking up the mountains is like "exploring a delicious sugar cake all iced on top". Has been lunching out of doors.
2p; paper. |
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