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Lot #81
Jacqueline Kennedy

Meticulous letter to her decorator, including three original sketches, as she readies the couple’s Georgetown townhouse: “This closet is next to fireplace. It is for Mr. Kennedy, he cannot bend down to reach his shoes”

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Description

Meticulous letter to her decorator, including three original sketches, as she readies the couple’s Georgetown townhouse: “This closet is next to fireplace. It is for Mr. Kennedy, he cannot bend down to reach his shoes”

ALS signed “Jacqueline B. Kennedy,” four pages, lightly-lined, 8 x 12.5, November 25, 1957. Letter to M. Wohlgemuth regarding the design and decoration of their Washington home. In part: “I spoke to you today about sending descriptions of the mantel heights—(& the exact measurements the mantels I am having made should have)—plus window dimensions for curtains…2. About the Air Conditioners—please install the most unobtrusive outlets, I will get conditioners later. Living room—install outlet—but no conditioner. Library—install outlet for bookcase—but don't put any air conditioner there, & make it so I can take the conditioner out in winter & fill the space with books. If this is expensive, please skip it—we will do without a conditioner in that room…About where to install Light Fixtures in Dining Room Please install them opposite the windows, as we discussed—But be sure you center them on that wall —i.e. find the center of the wall & place them equidistant from it—roughly opposite the windows.”

Kennedy’s lengthy postscript extends onto the fourth page, and includes two original sketches, one titled “Front Bedroom Closet—adjoining bathroom,” with Kennedy adding underneath, “Send me a Sketch of how you think I can obtain maximum shelf & hanging space. From the floor plan, I would suggest shelves across end B and hanging poles where I have drawn jagged lines. This means you have to walk through hanging clothes to get to hall, but if pole is high enough - that doesn‘t matter. Do you agree with this plan?” At the bottom of the last page, she adds another sketch headed “Closet in Middle Bedroom,” adding “This closet is next to fireplace. It is for Mr. Kennedy, he cannot bend down to reach his shoes.” In very good condition, with a central horizontal fold to all pages, scattered creases and wrinkles, paper loss and tears to edges, staple holes to top left, and some toning to first page. An excellent example of Kennedy’s flair for design and attention to every detail, especially those concerning her husband. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #410 - Ended June 19, 2013





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.