£1,000 - £1,500
POTTER, Helen Beatrix. Autograph letter, signed (Beatrix Heelis) to Elizabeth Tyson. Castle Cottage, Sawrey, June 2, 1937. Unpublished and unrecorded.
22.5 x 15cm, 2 pages, WM Whiteley watermark, creased when folded, with autograph envelope addressed Miss Elizabeth Tyson, Busk House, Ambleside (2)
An interesting and revealing letter on her pursuit on vernacular antiques, especially old china, revealing her considerable discernment
“You may be interested in the fate of the stand. The legs are not amputated yet, but they will be; not so much for height but they are wrong, when compared with the little chest from Mr Dymond’s* sale. The Dymond is only poor lacquer, but complete with original very lengthy tapering legs, and the painting continues downwards. It is curious how modern joiners fail with legs. This stand is unworthy of the beautiful clock. I think it has stood on a dwarf stand, it will be easy to quarter the stand. The china is a great joy - especially the little jug - and the bowl - and the spotty dogs - indeed I am pleased with all. Nevertheless I shall like to bring back one thing - the lacquer desk; ...because I cannot find a suitable place to put it having several cases & boxes already - also I hanker for another piece of china instead.
It was so interesting and instructive to go through your collection at leisure, it opens ones eyes. I had never taken notice that my spill vase is oriental with a square mark. I just liked the colours without looking underneath.
Florrie's beeswax is grand. I wonder why silly fools painted thick varnish on oak? It can be got off but it takes something to bring the polish back & this preparation is the right stuff..." [with postscript] "Thank you for liking my favourite bowl! Your appreciation was genuine and pleasant, not a single person has ever noticed it except me"
*Probably Charles Williams Dymond (1832-1911) Civil engineer whose daughter Helen Margaret Dymond married the solicitor William Dickenson Heelis (1864-1930) William Heelis' cousin and partner at the firm's Hawkshead Office
Provenance: Elizabeth Tyson (1878-1970) thence by descent in her extended family to the present vendor
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
28.8% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
30.6% inc VAT*
