TLS signed “W,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, personal letterhead, March 1, 1951. Letter to Lady Lytton, the former Pamela Chichele-Plowden. In full: “I send you some of the American Christmas cards of this year. They had a two million sale over there. As they reproduce in over a dozen colours, instead of our three or four, they get very good results. It was lovely your coming down for the weekend. Rufus and Puff were also very happy together. I am laid up with an unexpectedly violent reaction to a penicillin injection which I took. I had a dreadful night with pain and a swollen face. I have, alas, had to cancel the Freedom and the Cutlers’ Feast at Sheffield next Monday and Tuesday.” Punch hole to top left, some light creasing to borders, and overall handling wear, otherwise fine condition.
A year earlier, the former prime minister—and amateur artist—had entered into an agreement with the Hallmark Greeting Card company to use 18 of his paintings on Christmas cards during 1951. The topic must have been discussed when the widow Lady Lytton—the first significant love of Churchill's life and the woman to whom he unsuccessfully proposed marriage to 50 years earlier—spent a weekend with him in February. It was during that visit that his poodle, Rufus, and her dog, Puff, were “very happy together.” Interestingly, having to cancel his appearance at the “the Freedom and the Cutlers’ Feast at Sheffield” forced the postponement of the entire event, ostensibly because Churchill could not attend. A relaxed letter from one of the 20th century’s greatest leaders to his first true love. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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