Description:

Andrew Wyeth ALS Re: Father N.C. Wyeth's National Geographic Murals & Upcoming History of Britain Project

An interesting lot relating to two important American artists, Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) and Newell Convers (N.C.) Wyeth (1882-1945). It consists of a 2pp autograph letter signed by Andrew Wyeth, along with a photocopy of the typed letter from an editor of "The National Geographic Magazine." The material sheds light on Andrew Wyeth's career as an artist, the artistic influence of his father, N.C., and the notion of a "Wyeth Dynasty." Provenance: Ex-Noel Goldblatt (ca. 1926-2003) of the famous Goldblatt's Department Store, to a prominent Los Angeles, California collector.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 2pp autograph letter signed by Andrew Wyeth as "Andrew" at the center of the second page. Written in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania on December 12, 1946 on stationery with "Andrew Wyeth / Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania" letterhead. Triple hole punched along the top. Expected light paper folds and a few ink smudges, else very good to near fine. 7.25" x 10."

2. A photocopy of the original 1p typed letter sent to Andrew Wyeth by Franklin Fisher (1884-1953), Chief of Illustrations Division at "The National Geographic Magazine," on December 11, 1946. Trimmed.

Franklin Fisher wrote Andrew Wyeth to see if he might be interested in undertaking watercolor or tempera illustrations for an upcoming issue of "The National Geographic Magazine" exploring the History of Great Britain from prehistoric times to World War II.

Fisher wrote in part: "Some time ago I sought the advice of your father in regard to a series of paintings reconstructing episodes in the History of Britain…I am writing to inquire whether your other commitments are such that you might like to undertake the painting of several of these subjects which are destined for publication in The National Geographic Magazine…"

Sadly, N.C. Wyeth had been killed in a car accident 14 months earlier, in mid-October 1945. Both men are thus recollecting conversations and experiences with the dead artist.

Andrew Wyeth wrote in response, in part: "It was certainly nice to hear from you as I remember so well my father speaking of you and Dr. La Gorce and although I was a very small boy I do remember…The idea of doing two water color paintings reconstructing episodes in the History of Britain sounds very exciting to me, and when I think at the fine work my father did for the National Geographic it makes me want to do this work for you very much…"

When Andrew Wyeth referred to "the fine work my father did for the National Geographic," he was alluding to five murals that N.C. Wyeth had painted in 1927. The cycle called "The Romance of Discovery" depicted maps and vignettes of the Age of Exploration and the New World. The murals are still in situ at Hubbard Memorial Hall, the first library and headquarters of the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

Both Fisher and Andrew Wyeth mention one "Dr. La Gorce" in their correspondence. This was John Oliver La Gorce (1880-1959), an explorer and editor of "The National Geographic Magazine" who served as its Vice President between 1922-1954.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

qxp

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

September 29, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000