Paintings, Watercolours, Prints and Books, including 20th Century, Contemporary and Irish Art - 8th October 2008

Lot 80

Lear (Edward). Autograph letter addressed to Miss Selwyn

Estimate £2,000 - £2,500 | Hammer £2900

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Description

Lear (Edward). Autograph letter addressed to Miss Selwyn, San Remo, 19 April, 1883, 3 pp., 8vo, with two pen and ink drawings of skipping lambs and a large self-portrait caricature of Lear taking a tumble, writing of his "head being bad. It was blown off in the high wind here some weeks ago, & was only found .... after a severe search, & then so covered with grasshoppers and dust that it had to be put in the cistern...." in his characteristic self-mocking tone, signed "Yours sincerely Edward Lear" small tear to second sheet, the two sheets separated at the fold and with a small tear of c.1cm just touching the writing.