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Lot 74

DICKENS (CHARLES)
Autograph letter signed ("Charles Dickens"), to the history painter E.M. Ward, regarding a 'property purse' to be used in a production, Devonshire Terrace, 11 May 1851

15 June 2016, 14:00 BST
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £2,375 inc. premium

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DICKENS (CHARLES)

Autograph letter signed ("Charles Dickens"), to the history painter E.M. Ward: "You will have received an intimation (I hope) that the Dress Rehearsal is postponed until Wednesday. I send another order on the other side. And I return the purse with many thanks. I have a 'property' purse which will make more glitter, I think, and do in other respects as well"; with the additional order for 14 May 1851, signed ("Charles Dickens"); docketed by the recipient: "about an ancient purse in reference to the preparations for 'Not so bad as we seem'/ EMW", 2 pages, on black-edged mourning paper (marking the deaths of his father John on 31 March and infant daughter Dora on 14 April 1851), traces of mounting on reverse of second leaf, other minor marks, 8vo, Devonshire Terrace, 11 May 1851

Footnotes

'I HAVE A "PROPERTY" PURSE WHICH WILL MAKE MORE GLITTER' – Dickens prepares for his amateur dramatics. The first performance of Bulwer-Lytton's comedy, Not as Bad as We Seem, written for Dickens's company and performed in aid of the Guild of Literature & Art, was given before Queen Victoria at Devonshire House on 16 May 1851, with Dickens taking the role of Lord Wilmot. It was during the rehearsals that Dickens first met Wilkie Collins, who was playing Smart, his lordship's valet.

Our letter is printed in the reminiscences of Ward's widow; who records that Dickens 'consulted my husband about the costumes for the play, and also about an ancient purse which he wanted in the character he was himself performing. Taking Edward aside at one of the rehearsals, he mentioned this difficulty to him. My husband thought for a minute and then replied: -- "I have a purse among my historical properties, Mr Dickens, and from your description I should think it is just the kind you want. I will look it up as soon as I get home"... My husband designed the tickets for admission to this play... which on Dickens' death was sold for sixty-eight guineas' (Mrs Ward's Reminiscences, edited by Elliott O'Donnell, 1911, pp.192-3). Ward was soon afterwards invited to paint Dickens's portrait.

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