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Lot 104

JOHN (AUGUSTUS)
Autograph letter signed with a self-portrait, to his fellow artist William Orpen ("Dear Orp"), describing the joys of life in his gypsy caravan, "The Camp/ nr. Postbridge. Dartmoor/ S. Devon", no date [May or June 1905], with a full-page illustration of John's gypsy caravan surrounded by babies

11 November 2015, 13:00 GMT
London, Knightsbridge

£1,000 - £1,500

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JOHN (AUGUSTUS)

Autograph letter signed with a self-portrait, to his fellow artist William Orpen ("Dear Orp"), describing the joys of life in his gypsy caravan ("...The camp here is charming. The babbling brook and the slow clouds lull one with a deliciously restful condition – only broken all too frequently by fits of yelling from the innumerable babies by whom I am surrounded. I was so pleased last night with a beautiful peat fire I have made in the tent that I went to sleep hugging it – in the morning I awoke to find my blankets smouldering over me..."); he also discusses college business and teases Orpen over his behaviour ("...Protect your honour & virtue at all events..."), as well as asking him to send tobacco (St Bruno Flake), 4 pages, first page slightly dust-stained, a few very light marks, 8vo, "The Camp/ nr. Postbridge. Dartmoor/ S. Devon", no date [May or June 1905]

Footnotes

ILLUSTRATED WITH A FULL-PAGE VIEW OF JOHN'S GYPSY CARAVAN, SURROUNDED BY BABIES, drawn in pen-and-ink; as is the self-portrait with which he signs off. John had bought the caravan off Michel Salaman (see above) that spring for £30, and it was put to immediate use as a shelter for Dorelia when her first child by John was born at Postbridge on Dartmoor, in late April or early May 1905. Dorelia had been alone at Pyramus's birth, but was soon joined by, first, John's wife Ida and the following day by John himself, accompanied by his three children by Ida (see Holroyd, Augustus John, pp. 182-3). At least seven babies are visible in his drawing of their encampment; while a figure – seemingly Dorelia -- waves cheerily from the steps of the caravan and John himself peers over the washing line.

Additional information

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