Sotheby's - London

The Collection of a Connoisseur: History in Manuscript
Sale L20314

Queen Victoria writing to Tennyson about the death of John Brown; the young Winston Churchill writing to his first love from the battlefields of the Boer War; Frederick the Great writing to his former tutor on his belief that he deserved no congratulations for a military victory that had been bought with so much blood; Mary, Queen of Scots, writing to give safe passage to a rebel Highland laird; Nelson writing to a close friend from the Victory as he prepared for his final battle; Napoleon writing to his stepson on troop movements; Josephine, newly married to Napoleon, writing to her former lover; Lawrence of Arabia writing to a fellow officer on the success at the Arab Revolt just two weeks after the fall of Damascus.

These are just a few of the historical moments preserved in manuscript that are found in this remarkable collection of letters and documents, assembled by a discerning connoisseur over a period of some twenty years. The collection covers more than four centuries of history including an important document signed by Ferdinand and Isabella on the aftermath of the Reconquista of Granada to the second World War. The collection reveals a particular passion for the Napoleonic period, with letters by Napoleon, members of his family, his Marshals, and his enemies – pre-eminently Nelson, who is represented by exceptional letters and other items including the sumptuous grant of the Dukedom of Bronte. There are letters by key monarchs of European history such as Elizabeth I, Philip II, Catherine the Great, and Louis XIV. Wider culture, especially of the 19th century, is represented in letters by figures including Berlioz, Tolstoy, Darwin, Monet, and many others. This is a sale that reveals the potency of the autograph letter to convey history in manuscript form.

Exhibition

Works from the sale will be available to view safely in our New Bond Street galleries from 10 - 13 July. Please see further details below to arrange your visit.

Fri, July 10th 10:00 - 15:00 Public access
15:00 - 17:00 By Appointment Only

Sat, July 11th 10:00 - 15:00 Public access
15:00 - 17:00 By Appointment Only

Sun, July 12th 10:00 - 15:00 Public access
15:00 - 17:00 By Appointment Only

Mon, July 13th 10:00 - 15:00 Public access
15:00 - 17:00 By Appointment Only

Sotheby's - London
34-35 New Bond Street

London, UK