305. Potter (Beatrix, afterwards Mrs Heelis, writer and illustrator, 1866-1943) Autograph Letter signed "Beatrix Heelis" to Mrs Bertha Mahoney Miller, editor of the Hornbook, 4pp., 8vo, Castle Cottage, Sawrey, Ambleside, 30th July 1940, giving news of the war in the aftermath of Dunkirk, “we went through a very black time during the Belgian betrayal and the incredible collapse of France. Lately there has been revival of confidence and it has been helped by the awakened sympathy of the States...”, discussing the German bombing of towns and quoting from a letter received, and collecting oak furniture, “I look wistfully at my fine old furniture. I have a wonderful old bedstead too heavy to move in a hurry. Nevertheless I went to a sale at Coniston the other day & bought 3 chests and a coffin stool. The old man’s father had been a clergyman and collected oak, in fact several pieces were suspect of having been cleared out of Torver Church in the last century...”, and a reference to The Tale of Little Pig Robinson, “You tell me you find it difficult sometimes to concentrate so you take refuge in Pig Robinson!! Well - he sailed away and away and found peace; but we will struggle on and find peace - some day - at home...”, folds.
est. £1500 – £2000