Augustus John letters to Mavis de Vere Cole

This material is held atNational Library of Wales / Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru

  • Reference
    • GB 210 NLW MS 24007E.
  • Alternative Id.
      (alternative) vtls006050999
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1934-1959
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English, some Romani.
  • Physical Description
    • 135 ff.
      Placed in melinex sleeves within ringed box at NLW.
  • Location
    • ARCH/MSS (GB0210)

Scope and Content

One hundred and thirteen letters, cards and telegrams, 1934-1959, from Augustus John to Mavis de Vere Cole (later Mavis Wheeler). They contain personal and family news, including news of their son Tristan, letters of a more intimate nature, instructions regarding paintings and a few letters to Mavis in prison in 1954.
The letters are sent from various locations including his home, Fryern Court, various studios in London and from Provence and Jamaica. Also included are letters from John to A. P. Herbert, 10 September 1954 (f. 132), and to Tony Vivian, September-October 1954 (ff. 133-135), all relating to Mavis' trial. There are sketches by John on ff. 91 verso, 92, and 116 verso, and poems by him on ff. 4, 95-98.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically at NLW.

Note

Title based on contents.

A Pathé film about John, also featuring Mavis and Tristan, which is referred to by him in a contemporaneous letter (f. 90), may be viewed online at http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=47240.

Preferred citation: NLW MS 24007E.

Alternative Form Available

Photocopies of the letters are NLW, Michael Holroyd (Augustus John) Research Papers, 3/10.

Additional Information

Published