Novello: Will,

5/1-7) D. M. Sims [Dorothea Marie Sims] of solicitors Clayton, Leach and Sims. Four typescript signed letters to Macqueen-Pope on the firm's letterhead, all from 1951, two of them concerning Ivor Novello’s will, the third regarding 'what appeared in the Press about the Auction', the other two concerning the 'blocks of the photographs of Redroofs which appeared in the Auction Particulars'. Together with carbons of three letters to Sims from Macqueen-Pope, in one of which (11 June 1951) he expresses relief that 'the matter of impertinent enquiries arising over the Will' is 'practically closed'. He also asks her for the 'exact wording of the Charges against Ivor in the petrol case', stating that 'great care will have to be exercised' when he writes about it. (7 items]
5/8-12) Two draft of Macqueen-Pope's press release on the will, undated, one titled 'Ivor Novello's Will' and with the address of Macqueen-Pope's office in the Strand at the head, a related letter from Sims, 26 April 1951, and carbons of two letters from Macqueen-Pope to Sims [Clayton, Leach and Sims & Co.], both from June 1951, the first of which begins: 'I am issuing the Ivor Novello Will right away - so look out for storm.' (5 items)
5/13) Five-page typescript headed 'MEMENTOES ALREADY GIVEN', including 'John Gielgud ... Ellen Terry picture', 'Drury Lane (per Mr Pope) ... David Garrick Snuff Box', 'Sir Laurence Olivier ... Star Emblem', 'Michael Redgrave ... Copenhagen Ornament', 'Noel Coward ... Picture', 'Macqueen-Pope ... Martin Harvey Sword'. (1 item)
5/14-15) A signed autograph letters from 'Lyn', i.e. Lyn Harding, to Macqueen-Pope, 8 June 1951, beginning: 'I am disappointed to find that Ivor has left out his relations in the will mentioned this morning. They are simple country folk of the farmer class.' With carbon copy of Macqueen-Pope's reply to Harding, 9 June 1951, he writes: 'I knew that Ivor had left the relations nothing. I handled the will all through. He never had much to do with them in life. It is in many ways a curious will, with some notable omissions, but on the whole I think, a very characteristic one. Not being a beneficiary myself, I can take an unbiassed [sic] view.' (2 items)

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