October 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, October 23rd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2012
Impressive collection of items relating to British contralto singer Kathleen Ferrier, who died at the height of her fame from breast cancer, stunning England, as her illness was kept secret from the public until her death. Lot includes an autograph letter signed by Ferrier in 1942, as the singer's career was just gaining momentum. A versatile artist, her repertoire spanned from folk songs and popular ballads, to Brahms and Mahler. Lot includes: (1) autograph letter signed by Ferrier to English tenor Spencer Hayes, dated 3 November 1942 from Carlisle, England reading in full: ''Dear Mr. Hayes, Thank you very much for your letter. I should very much like to sing in Elijah [?] on Dec. 23rd. Is the 3.5 gns. [guineas] fee inclusive of expenses, as I should have to come to Runcon from London? If this is so, you must realise that I should be out of pocket. I am having a new brochure printed when I go to London on Friday next and will send you one as soon as they are ready. My London address from Friday next will be 8 Frognal Mansions Hamps [?] NW 3, Your Sincerely Kathleen Ferrier'', with ''Ferrier'' printed again beneath her signature in her hand. Letter measures 5'' x 8'' on 2pp., front and verso. Left edge has two holes punched and small chips, with folds throughout, else very good. (2) 2 hardcover first edition copies of ''Kathleen Ferrier: A Memoir''. Hamish Hamilton: London: 1954. One copy previously owned by Spencer Hayes, with his name and address written in ink on fly leaf and a typed letter signed to him from Ferrier's sister, Winifred Ferrier, glued to inside cover, dated 9 November; (3) ''Kathleen, The Life of Kathleen Ferrier'' hardcover first edition book signed by the book's foreword author Elisabeth Schwarzkopf beneath her foreword. Hutchinson: London: 1988; (4) 49 signed photos, including two photos signed by Ferrier, a 4.75'' x 6.5'' matte photo inscribed: ''To the Hayes Family With Love Kathleen Ferrier'', and a second 3.25'' x 5'' ''Kathleen Ferrier'' signed matte photo. Many of the other photos are inscribed to Spencer Hayes from various British musical legends including bass singer Robert Radford, soprano Isobel Baillie, contralto Muriel Brunskill, bass-baritone singer William Parsons, baritone Dennis Noble, opera singer Herbert Langley and many more. Photos are affixed to a 34 page album measuring 12.5'' x 10.5'', bound in olive boards with heavy wear and tear, though not affecting photos. (5) Also includes a 2pp., front and verso, 9'' x 7'' autograph letter signed by Owen Brannigan paper-clipped inside the album, dated 24 October 1968. Very good overall.
Rare Early Autograph Letter Signed by England's Beloved Contralto Kathleen Ferrier -- Plus 49 Signed Photos by Various 20th Century Classical Music Legends -- Including Two Signed by Ferrier
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