'Stop all the clocks'

Autographed revised manuscript of the celebrated poem, with the title here of "Blues". Also known as "Funeral Blues". Also autographed letter, which accompanied the poem, sent by Auden to Miss Boyd. Auden expands on the problems of finding modern poetry which is suitable for children and writes of his own experience of writing children's verse. Deposit also includes framed photographic portrait of W. H. Auden by Mark Gerson, the border of which is signed by the photographer (May 1951).

Wystan Hugh Auden, who wrote as W. H. Auden, is viewed by many critics as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. He was born in England although he later took American citizenship. Among his well known poems are "As He Is", "Musée des Beaux Arts" , "In Memory of W. B. Yeats", "The Unknown Citizen", "Law Like Love", "September 1, 1939", and "Funeral Blues".

Mark Gerson began his distinguished career as a photographer of celebrated (often literary) figures in the 1940s. Among his many subjects were Edith Sitwell and Richard Hoggart.

Open for research. Special conditions apply to the manuscripts (but not the portrait). Application to access these items must be made with at least one week's notice with evidence of the necessity to view the original manuscripts. Portrait: open for research although at least 24 hours notice required.

Catalogue entry created by A M Williamson 2021-12-01