Janus: Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

St John's Library/Beaton/A1 contains:
<-- See earlier
483	Autograph letter to Beaton
484	Autograph letters to Beaton
485	Letters, telegrams and card to Beaton
486	Autograph letters to Beaton
487	Autograph letters to Beaton
488	Autograph letters to Beaton
489	Autograph letters to Beaton
490	Autograph letters to Beaton
491	Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from Hailsham.
492	Autograph letters to Beaton
493	Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Petersham, Surrey.
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More information

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Papers of Sir Cecil Beaton

Title	Autograph letters to Beaton
Reference	A1/488
Creator	Sir Osbert Sitwell (1892-1969)
Covering Dates	7 Sep. 1941–3 Mar. 1962 (Mostly undated.)
Extent and Medium	12 letters; 3 fragments; paper; Manuscript

Content and context

5th Baronet Sitwell, poet and prose writer.

Index Terms

Sitwell, Sir Francis Osbert Sacheverell (1892-1969) 5th Baronet Sitwell, author

St John's Library/Beaton/A1/488 contains:

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Renishaw Hall, near Sheffield. Hates writing long letters, but is obliged to do so after reading the recent reviews of Beaton's and Quennell's book, "Time Exposure". Was outraged with Beaton at first and told Quennell so, but begins to believe that Beaton is not to blame for the "malice" of the title and photographs and the "hypocritical moralizing malice" of the text. Believes Beaton would not have allowed this to happen if he had emphasised a few things. Criticises Beaton for changing the names of people such as Lady Ottoline to those of American "socialites" and publishing a private nickname for Sitwell's father. Feels he would not have done this if he had understood their import. Asks him to remember all he has done for him over the years. Requests he publish a statement to say that no disrespect was intended and that the photos were published without the permission of those involved. Explains what he means by "malice" in the pictures. The book is "an ugly sort of throwing overboard". Has always liked Beaton and thought that he had a "warm heart" as well as "considerable gifts". Hopes that he will take this letter as a sign of these feelings.
7p; paper.

7 Sept. 1941

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Renishaw Hall, near Sheffield. He and Edith were greatly pleased by Beaton's gift of his "Photobiography". Wishes it every success. Describes their garden. Will ring Beaton when he comes to London.
2p; paper.

4 July 1951

Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from Florence. Was distressed for Beaton when he read of his mother's death. It must mean a great break. However, he has been a wonderful son and must have a clear conscience. Beaton has all his sympathy.
1p; paper.

3 Mar. 1962

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Renishaw Hall, near Sheffield. Thanks Beaton for his letter. Appreciates his professions of esteem and affection "at their full worth". If Beaton can see no malice in "Time Exposure" he should look at it again. The reviewers have seen in it what he has seen. There is no reason to publish photographs if there is nothing tendentious in their context, but this is another matter. Has only asked Beaton to do one thing, and he has not done it.
2p; paper.

1941

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Renishaw Hall, near Sheffield. Wishes he could come to lunch with Beaton next Thursday. He is beginning a new book. When he returns he will telephone. It is "fiendish cold" here.
2p; paper.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton. Geoffrey Moss has written asking for Beaton's address. Gives his to Beaton. Looks forward to more lunches.
2p; paper.

26 June

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from London. "Sphinx" writes that Beaton has "eyelashes as long as ostrich feathers". Encloses the document he promised him.
1p; paper.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Amalfi. Feels a beast for not writing sooner, but never had any news, and knows that in New York Beaton will not have time to read a letter. Is glad that he likes it. Has been suffering from influenza. Gives Beaton news of friends. The "People's Album" seems to be selling well. Rex Whistler has designed his book plate. Heard that Baba's tour of Spain has filled the Spaniards with a passion for English women.
3p; paper.

15 Jan.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Florence. It is very kind of Beaton to have sent him his book. Will ring him when he returns.
1p; paper.

14 Oct.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire. Thanks Beaton for his letter. Cannot write the foreword as he is inundated with work. It will make an excellent book. If Beaton cannot get him or Sachie to write the commentary it would be better if he did it himself. Feels pretty gloomy. The papers are frightful.
2p; paper.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire. It is a lovely idea, and it must be called "Beaton's Book of Beauty". Has been writing a memoir of Ronald. Reminisces about first meeting him.
2p; paper.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Amalfi. Thanks Beaton for his letter. Encloses two letters, one to Elizabeth Marbury, who will be most useful to him. The other is for Draper, his dearest friend. Will send a letter in a day or two to some "nice quiet people".
2p; paper.

13 Nov.

Autograph fragment. Review of Beaton's pictures.
2p; paper.

Autograph fragment. Possibly from article or book.
2p; paper.

Fragment of letter signed to Beaton, from Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire. Discusses the clothes for a theatre production. Returns to London at the end of next week.
2p; paper.