GB0218.D6206

Summary Information

Repository
Gwent Archives
Creator
Gordon-Canning, Mrs, and Gurney, Avis
Title
Mrs Gordon-Canning and Mrs Avis Gurney, papers (letters)
ID
GB0218.D6206
Date
c. 1880-1954
Extent
0.001 Cubic Metres
Language
English

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Biographical/Historical note

Born in 1865, Clara Jane Isabella Bettina Bailey was the eldest daughter of Crawshay Bailey II, of Maindiff Court, Abergavenny, and of Elizabeth, Countess Bettina. She married William James Gordon-Canning in 1884.

In the 1930s Mrs Gordon-Canning was living at Sandwich in the county of Kent. She died in 1938, aged 72.

Mrs Syssyllt Avis Gurney (1903-1963) was the daughter of Frederic George Morgan, 5th Baron Tredegar, and of Dorothy Syssyllt Bassett. She was the sister of Frederick Charles John Morgan, 6th Baron Tredegar. She was married to Peter Hugh Gurney in 1926; the couple was divorced in 1934.

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Scope and Contents note

Letters to Mrs Gordon-Canning, c. 1880-1938; Leters to Mrs Syssyllt Avis Gurney, 1932-1954 & n.d.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

 Gwent Archives

Conditions Governing Access note

There are no restrictions on access.

Copyright

Normal copyright regulations apply.

Appraisal note

All records have been retained.

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Other Finding Aids note

A hard copy of the catalogue is available at Gwent Archives.

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Collection Inventory

 D6206/1-19 Mrs Gordon-Canning, letters c.1880-1938   0.008 Cubic Metres

 D6206/1-2 Ramsay and Sheila Macdonald 1928-1932   0.001 Cubic Metres

Related Archival Materials note

Further records of Ramsay Macdonald are held at the National Archives and at other repositories in Great Britain.

Collection-level descriptions of these are available on the website of the National Archives, at: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Biographical/Historical note

James Ramsay Macdonald (1866-1937) became the first Labour prime minister in 1924. He had a second term from 1929-1931.

Sheila Macdonald (1910-1993) was the youngest daughter of Ramsay Macdonald. She became the political hostess of her father, and subsequently a prison visitor and author.

 D6206/1 Bundle of letters.J Ramsay Macdonald at Upper Frognal Lodge, Hampstead, London, thanking Mrs Gordon-Canning.  1928-1933   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

3 letters enclosed in the same envelope:

D6206/1/1

25 Jun. 1928

J Ramsay Macdonald at Upper Frognal Lodge, Hampstead, London, thanking Mrs Gordon-Canning for her hospitality over the weekend.

D6206/1/2

27 Jan. 1932

J Ramsay Macdonald at 10 Downing Street, London, thanking Mrs Gordon-Canning for helping (his daughter) Sheila, who has been unwell following influenza and an operation to her feet.

D6206/1/3

28 Dec. 1933

J. Ramsay Macdonald at "The Hillocks," Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland, thanking Mrs Gordon-Canning for her gift of a piece of Derby. Comments on his friendships.

 D6206/2 Bundle of letters; newscutting 1931 & n.d.   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Bundle of letters, enclosed in the same envelope. Includes newscutting.

D6206/2/1

17 Sept. 1931

J. Ramsay Macdonald at 10 Downing Street, expressing disappointment that he has been unable to visit her.

D6206/2/2

29 Sept. 1931

J. Ramsay Macdonald at 10 Downing Street, thanking her for her hospitality.

D6206/2/3

28 Jan. 1932

Sheila Macdonald at 10 Downing Street, thanking Mrs Gordon-Canning for her hospitality on her recent visit to "Sandilands."

D6206/2/4

15 Jan. 1935

J. Ramsay Macdonald at 10 Downing Street, concerning her recent invitation. Mentions possible visit from French Ministers.

D6206/2/5

n.d.

J. Ramsay Macdonald at 10 Downing Street, apparently concerning the death of a friend.

D6206/2/6 " 17 ?May 1931

Newscutting from "The Times," of a letter headed "Falling Prices in Labour and Products: Restrictionist Methods."

 D6206/3-6 E.W.P. Chinnery 1931 & 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

Ernest William Pearson Chinnery (1887-1972) was an Australian anthropologist and public servant.

Related Archival Materials note

Further records of E.W.P. Chinnery are held at the National Archives of Austrailia, the National Archives of Great Britain, and at other repositories in the United Kingdom.

Collection-level descriptions of the records of E.W.P. Chinnery held in Great Britain are available on the website of the National Archives, at: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

 D6206/3 Letter: E.W.P. Chinnery in Rabaul, New Guinea. 27 Oct 1931   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Concerns the details of his friend "Burrows".

 D6206/4 Letter: E.W.P. Chinnery in Rabaul, New Guinea 2 Dec 1931   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Concerns: his hope to retire in England; an expedition into North West Division to assess the impact of a native "prophet" who has instigated an anti-European cult; his past work and current health.

 D6206/5 E.W.P. Chinnery at the Naval and Military Club, Melbourne, Australia. 8 Apr. 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Concerning advice of his friend Dr. Haddon to apply for a vacant lectureship at Cambridge University; his educational work; the potential and importance of New Guinea.

 D6206/6 E.W.P. Chinnery at the Naval and Military Club in Melbourne, Australia 21 Oct. 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Details his recent trip through Central and Northern Australia, made with the intent of determining future policy regarding the Aboriginal population.

 D6206/7-12 Phillip Gibbs 1934-1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

Phillip Gibbs (1877-1962) was an author and journalist who was an official reporter on the Western Front during the First World War.

Related Archival Materials note

Records relating to Phillip Gibbs are held at the National Archives and at other repositories in Great Britain.

Collection-level descriptions of these are available on the website of the National Archives, at: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

 D6206/7 Phllip Gibbs at 33 Cliveden Place, London, to Mrs Gordon-Canning Aug. 1932   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Thanking her for her letter and expressing his wish to meet her later that year.

 D6206/8 Phillip Gibbs at Little House, D'Oyley Street, London, to Mrs Gordon- Canning 24 Jan. 1934   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Apologising for declining to give speech.

 D6206/9 Phillip Gibbs at Little House, D'Oyley Street, London to Mrs Gordon- Canning 6 Dec. 1935   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Accepting invitation to tea.

 D6206/10 Philip Gibbs at Shamley Green, Guildford, to Mrs Gordon-Canning 3 Mar. 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Declining invitation; commenting on the German action in Austria and attempts made by Neville Chamberlain to remain on good terms with the Germans.

 D6206/11 Philip Gibbs at Shamley Green, Guildford to Mrs Gordon-Canning Jul 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Declining an invitation; news of the Lampson family.

 D6206/12 Philip Gibbs at the Hotel Adlon, Berlin to Mrs Gordon-Canning. Declining her invitation as he is abroad. c. 1930   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Declining her invitation as he is abroad.

 D6206/13-14 "Matt and Deirdre" 1937-1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

 D6206/13 "Deirdre" at The Gloucester Hotel, Hong Kong. Nov 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Refers to recent arrival in Hong Kong; detailed descriptions of the hotel, climate, amenities and local inhabitants.

 D6206/14 "Deirdre" at Cathay Mansions, Shanghai. 4 Apr. 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Refers to recent change of station and to prospective change of adresss. Description of voyage to present quarters; devastation caused by the war; comparison of Japanese and British troops; treatment of the Chinese by the Japanese; account of Shanghai and its inhabitants.

 D6206/15 "Archie" (Archibald Percival) Wavell Aug. 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

Archibald Wavell (1883-1950), army officer and field marshall, fought in the Second Boer War and in both World Wars.

 D6206/15 Archie Wavell at H.Q. Southern Command, Salisbury. 10 Aug. 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Has recommended Major Wintle for possible appointment by the Military or British Intelligence. Refers to health of his son.

 D6206/16 Peter Markham Scott 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

Peter Markham Scott (1909-1989) was the son of Robert Falcon Scott (the explorer "Scott of the Antartic") and the sculptor Kathleen Bruce.

He was a conservationist, founding the Wildlife Fund for Nature, and was knighted in 1973 for his services to conservation. He was also an artist, ornithologist, sportsman and Quaker.

Related Archival Materials note

Further records of Peter Markham Scott are held at Cambridge University Library.

 D6206/16 Peter Scott at Deristone, Chapel Road, Abergavenny 20 Mar. 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Thanking Mrs Gordon-Canning for her hospitality, her donation to the (? Quaker) cause, and the gift of a book by Father Martindale. Comments on his own religious views and history.

 D6206/17-18 Arthur Grenfell Wauchope c. 1929   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

Arthur Grenfell Wauchope (1874-1947) served in the Second Boer War and the First World War. He was also a colonial administrator.

In 1929 he was General Officer of the Northern Ireland District.

Related Archival Materials note

A medal card of Arthur Grenfell Wauchope is held at the National Archives of Great Britain.

Collection-level descriptions of this is available on the website of the National Archives, at: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

 D6206/17 Arthur Wauchope at Garnerville, Strandtown, County Down. 11 Jan. c.1929   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Thanks her for her hospitality at "Sandilands;" refers to meeting with the Archie Wavells and other acquaintances.

 D6206/18 Arthur Wauchope at Garnerville, Strandtown, County Down c. 1929   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Refers to his command in Ireland ;to visit to France with Archie Wavell; Hilda Lampson.

 D6206/19-30 William James Gordon-Canning ("Willie") c. 1880 - 1887   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

William James Gordon-Canning (1857-1929) of Hartpury House, Gloucestershire, was the son of Patrick Robert (Gordon) Gordon-Canning and of Maria Gordon-Canning. He married Clara Bailey in 1884.

Scope and Contents note

The exact dates of the letters are not known, as only the day, not the month or year, is given.

 D6206/19 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Thursday."

At Newland, Newent.

Concerns: hunting; their plans to meet; their future together.

 D6206/20 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Concerning his recent visit; their need to keep their meeting a secret; his engagements.

 D6206/21 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Sunday."

At Buckland, near Bwlch, Brecknockshire. Discussing their letters; his plan to meet her on the way to the Hendre; his hunting and fishing engagements; their means of meeting; the need for her to conceal his letters.

 D6206/22 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Sunday."

At Hartpury, Gloucestershire.

Concerns: his last letter to her having gone astray; present he has sent her; riding; plans for Christmas.

 D6206/23 (To Clara Bailey) C. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Tuesday."

Thanking her for her letter and present; her last letter; the loss of his letter to her.

 D6206/24 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Sunday."

At Hartpury, co. Gloucs.

Concerning: Her not having received his last letter; asking her to write to him; his recent illness; their next meeting.

 D6206/25 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Sunday."

Asking about a Mrs Woods who he has met; her time in Cardiff; their next meeting.

 D6206/26 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Monday."

At Hartpury, co. Glouc. Concerns: her birthday; their future marriage.

 D6206/27 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Tuesday."

Concerns their recent meeting and her father's objections to this; arrangements for writing to each other in secret.

 D6206/28 (To Clara Bailey) c. 1880   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Tuesday."

At Hartpury Court, co. Glouc.

Explaining why he has not written to her; his health; arranging to meet.

 D6206/29 (? To Mrs Gordon-Canning) C. 1885   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Saturday."

Concerns: a cheque book he is sending her; accounts; travel.

 D6206/30 (To Mrs Gordon-Canning) c. 1885   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated "Sunday."

At the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny to Clara Gordon-Canning at Marshall Thompson's Hotel, Cavendish Square, London.

Concerns: what he has been doing; the health of "Baby;" domestic arrangements.

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 D6206/31-62 Mrs Avis Gurney, letters 1932-1954 and n.d.   0.008 Cubic Metres

Related Archival Materials note

Further records of the Morgan family of the Tredegar Estate are held at the National Library of Wales.

 D6206/31-60 Compton Mackenzie 1932-1954   0.001 Cubic Metres

Related Archival Materials note

Acollection of papers relating to Compton Mackenzie is held at New York Public Library.

Further correspondence of Compton Mackenzie is held at the University of Glasgow and the National Library of Wales.

Biographical/Historical note

Edward Montague Compton Mackenzie was born in 1883 in County Durham. He was a prolific author, as well as a broadcaster and political activist, and one of the founder members of the Scottish Nationalist Party. His best known literary work is "Whisky Galore."

In 1935 he moved to the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, where he built a house.

In 1941, the "SS Politician," a ship bound for Kingston, Jamaica, and carrying 8,000 tons of whisky, ran aground off the island of Eriskay, near Barra. The shipwreck and subsequent looting of the whisky was the inspiration for Mackenzie's most famous work, "Whiskey Galore."

The shipwreck is recorded by Mackenzie by one of the letters in this collection (ref. D6206/47).

Compton Mackenzie died in 1972. He is buried on the Isle of Barra.

 D6206/31 To Mrs Gurney 7 Jun 1932   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

At Eilean Aigas, Beauly, Invernesshire, to Mrs Gurney in Argyll.

Thanking her for her comments (?"mots") on his new book; explaining why he may be prevented from travelling to Morvern; Lady Elspeth Campbell; accident caused by fall of ceiling.

 D6206/32 To "Syssyllt Avis." 4 Mar (? 1934)   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to "Syssyllt Avis" in St. Peter Port, Guernsey.

Commenting on her name; the house he is building; the Isle of Barra; the book he is writing; inviting her to visit him.

 D6206/33 To " Mrs Gurney" 12 Jan. 1934   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Inviting her to Barra.

 D6206/34 "To Mrs Peter Gurney" 31 Jun 1935   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney, at Holt, Farnham Common, co. Bucks.

Concerns: his living conditions; progress with the house he is building; her brother's book and his own experience of publishers; his time in Guernsey; publication of account of himself and D.H. Lawrence; Norah Blaney and Gwen Farrar; Beverly Nichols.

 D6206/35 To Avis Gurney 24 Aug 1931   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, to Avis Gurney, at Corrigan Lodge, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire.

Concerns: her safe arrival; "The East Wind (of Love);" acquaintances.

 D6206/36 To Avis Gurney  Oct 1936   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

At the Savile Club, London, to Avis Gurney, at 12 John Street, Mayfair, London

Concerning arrangements to meet later in the week.

 D6206/37 To Avis Gurney 30 Oct. 1936   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney, at 12 John Street, Mayfair, London.

Concerns: their ill-health; his need to finish "Pericles" because of his financial situation; his attempt to sell his islands.

 D6206/38 To Avis Gurney  Jun/Jul 1936   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney at Corrigan Lodge, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire.

Concerning his visitors and when A.G. can visit him on Barra.

 D6206/39 To Avis Gurney 24 Jan. 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Herides, to Avis Gurney.

Concerns: his recent bout of flu; need to postpone her visit in order to work on "The South Wind (of Love)."

 D6206/40 To Avis Gurney Mar 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Concerns: date of her visit to Barra.

 D6206/41 To Avis Gurney Mar 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney at Corrigan Lodge, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire.

Concerns: his having caught a cold and Chrissie having to stay in Edinburgh until the following week, which necessitates postponing visit by A.G. to Barra.

 D6206/42 To Avis Gurney 4 May 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney, at Corrigan Lodge, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire.

Postponing her visit to Barra on account of his need to complete "The South Wind."

 D6206/43 To Avis Gurney 8 Sep 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney at Corrigan Lodge, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire.

Congratulating her on her decision; plans for her next visit.

 D6206/44 To Mrs Gurney 24 Dec 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Thanking her for her gift; his cottage in Hampstead; his health.

 D6206/45 To Avis Gurney 2 Jul 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

Dated 2 Jul

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney at Corrigan Lodge, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire.

Concerns: his latest book; his publishers; planned visit to the mainland.

 D6206/46 To Avis Gurney 2 Dec 1940   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney.

Concerns: the ending of his series of articles on peace; his loss of confidence in parliament; comment made by him during radio programme about parliament; strategies to secure a worthwhile victory in the war; censorship.

 D6206/47 To Avis Gurney 6 Feb 1941   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney (? in Colchester)

Relating to: the difficult circumstances of A.G; C.M.'s work on "The North Wind of Love," which has been followed by an attack of shingles; recent visit by, and verdict affecting Bob (Robert) Boothby, (friend, and Parliamentary Secretary, 1940-1941, to the Ministry of Food); the wreck of a ship (the "SS Politician"); with a cargo of whisky which has gone ashore at Eriskay (the inspiration for "Whiskey Galore"); prospect of invasion of Britain; "John" ( Frederic Charles John Morgan, brother of A.G.); Colchester.

 D6206/48 To Avis Gurney 24 Feb 1941   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney.

Concerns: her ill-health; his difficulties of leaving the island because of his work with the home guard and coastguard; the shipping situation; the war.

 D6206/49 To Avis Gurney 18 Nov 1941   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney.

Concerns: his attempt to persuade "Duff" (Alfred Duff Cooper, Minister of Information, May 1940-July 1941), to give him a job with the Ministry of Information; the impossibility of his escaping from the command of the home guard; his financial situation.

Includes reference to Sir Kingsley Wood (Chancellor of the Exchequer).

 D6206/50 To Avis Gurney 2 Oct 1943   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

2 (? Dec 1943)

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney at 127 Mount Street, Berkeley Square, London.

Has recent trip to London with "the film people;" dispute between Rank and the Americans; his attempt to finish writing "The North Wind of Love;" apologies for having been unable to visit A.G. whilst in London.

 D6206/51 To Avis Gurney 8 Aug 1950   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

At Denchworth Manor, near Wantage, co. Berks.

Thanking her for the lunch at "Tredegar;" his workload; broadcasts and articles; planned talks at the Trinity College (Dublin) debate and for the Saltire Society in Edinburgh; the Stevenson Society; J. B. Priestley.

2 pages.

 D6206/52 To Avis Gurney 13 Jul 1952   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

At Denchworth Manor, near Wantage, co. Berks.

Concerns: his plans to see her when he visits Edinburgh for a conference; his court case with the Inland Revenue.

 D6206/53 To Avis Gurney 22 Aug 1954   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

At 31 Drummond Place, Edinburgh.

Expressing his sympathy on the death of her father.

 D6206/54 To Avis Gurney c. 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Concerns: her health; his having finished "Pericles," and working on "The South Wind;" "The East Wind" having been made Book of the Month by The Evening Standard and The Daily Mail; forthcoming publication of "The East Wind;" Redemptorist mission.

 D6206/55 To Avis Gurney 25 Aug c. 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

Discussing when it will be best for her to visit; forthcoming publication of "The South Wind (of Love);" "Pericles."

 D6206/56 To Avis Gurney 3 Apr 1938   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Discussing his work on "The Windsor Tapestry;" the success of Faith (Mackenzie's) book; request by the Fraser Society in Cromarty for him to write a book.

 D6206/57 To Avis Gurney 22 Jan. c. 1935   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Concerning the late arrival of her telegraph; his current visitors and a possible date for A.G.'s visit; enquiring whether she intends to stay in Spean Bridge all summer; his long absence from the mainland and plans to go to London; asking A.G. about her plans.

 D6206/58 To Avis Gurney c. 1936   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Concerning: his planned stay in London; "Chrissie"(his secretary, Christina Macsween); his correspondence; work on "Pericles."

 D6206/59 To Avis Gurney c. 1952   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

5 Jan. 1952

At Denchworth Manor, Wantage, Berks.

Suggesting lunch in London and asking her to contact him at the Savile.

 D6206/60 To Avis Gurney c. 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

On the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, to Avis Gurney at Corrigan Lodge, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire.

Explaining that he is unable to leave Barra on account of his workload.

 D6206/61 "Chrissie" (Christina Macsween) 5 May 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

Christina Macsween was the secretary of Compton Mackenzie.

Following the death of Faith Mackenzie, Christina Macsween married Compton Mackenzie in 1962. She died the following year.

 D6206/61 "Chrissie" (Christina Macsween) 5 May 1937   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

At Suidheachan, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Explaining that "Monty" (Compton Mackenzie) is unable to have any visitors because of his workload; deferring the visit of A.G. to Barra.

 D6206/62 Osbert Sitwell Jul 1949   0.001 Cubic Metres

Biographical/Historical note

Osbert Sitwell (1892-1962), poet, critic and journalist ,was brother of poet, biographer and critic Edith Sitwell and the writer Sacheverell Sitwell.

 D6206/61 To Avis Gurney 29 Jul 1949   0.001 Cubic Metres

Scope and Contents note

At Renishaw Hall, near Sheffield

Thanking her for her letter and promising to visit her in Edinburgh. He is just finishing a book in which Henry Moat does not appear.

Biographical/Historical note

Henry Moat (1871-1940) was footman to the Sitwell family.

He features in the autobiography of Osbert Sitwell.

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