Lot 274

Katharine Hepburn (2) TLS & Booklet Gifted by Daughter of Vaslav Nijinsky

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Katharine Hepburn (2) TLS & Booklet Gifted by Daughter of Vaslav Nijinsky

Estimate: $300 - $400

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Katharine Hepburn
n.p., ca. 1981, 1992
Katharine Hepburn (2) TLS & Booklet Gifted by Daughter of Vaslav Nijinsky
Archive

An interesting collection of materials sent by Katharine Hepburn to her goddaughter, Valentina, including (2) TLS and inscribed booklet previously gifted to the actress. Both letters have been typed on her personal stationery and sent on Christmas eve, 1981 & 1992. The accompanying booklet was sent to Hepburn by Kyra Nijinsky, daughter of famed Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. Exhibits varying degrees of age toning and handling creases, with areas of intermittent soiling throughout. Overall, good condition.

Provenance: From the Estate of Katharine Hepburn.

The lot includes:

1.) Typed letter signed "Kate", 1p on personal letterhead, 6" x 8", n.p., December 24, 1981. Addressed to Valentina Fratti with an additional holograph note above the signature.

2.) Typed letter signed "Aunt Kat", 1p on personal letterhead, 5.5" x 8.5", n.p., December 24, 1992. Addressed to Valentina and her husband Raymond, sending thanks for a Christmas present of "sensational slippers".

3.) "The Dream of Varlann" by Kyra Nijinsky. Copyright by Kyra Nijinsky, Roma, 1954. 20pp. Personally gifted to Hepburn by the author and featuring a lengthy 2p inscription, twice signed with insight into the title poem. Reading in part: "Dear Miss Hepburn,/ Here is a token of my art. May it be a good souvenir for you throughout time… Thank you for being such a good example [of] what real art and the theatre really means." Tan softcover wrappers, 6.25" x 9".
Together with an autograph note from Katharine's long-time secretary Phyllis Wilbourn to Valentina, in full: "Miss Hepburn thought you might like to see these. They were given to her by Nijinsky's daughter. We don't want them back."

Valentina Fratti was the daughter of Laura Dubman Fratti, a classical pianist who coached Hepburn for the film "Song of Love" (1947), in which she plays Clara Schumann. They would go on to develop a life-long friendship, with the actress becoming Valentina's godmother and "Aunt Kat".

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.

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  • Dimensions: 6.25" x 9" (largest)
  • Medium: Archive

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$50,000 + $5,000