LETTERS EXCHANGED BETWEEN ADDIS, LADY ADDIS AND THEIR CHILDREN

The series of letters from Addis to his family was arranged in annual bundles by Lady Addis and covers the years 1895-1941. During their time in the East, Addis's various postings and the need to take the children to a cooler climate for the summer meant the couple were separated from time to time. Further separations occurred in London when Addis went abroad on banking or other business affairs, to meetings, to visit family and friends outside London, or to work in the City when his family were on holiday elsewhere. During these periods Addis wrote to his wife frequently, often daily, and although much of what he wrote is personal he does nevertheless refer to colleagues, banking, public life and working routine, especially in letters written at the height of his career when abroad on Reparations, Bank for International Settlements or China Consortium business. A few letters are addressed to his children, usually brief and personal.There are four bundles only of letters from Lady Addis, all of which date from before the family settled in London. Usually her letters were very detailed, and, although she was chiefly concerned with journeys, holiday arrangements and the children's activities, passing references to banking matters, especially meetings with staff, are of considerable interest.There are here also two bundles of letters sent by Addis to his parental family and friends from the East, copies of the originals of letters which are also in the letter books, together with a letter to his father.The letters in this section are clearly written and in good condition.

Open

For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance