ALS signed “Winston S. Churchill,” one page, 5 x 8, personal letterhead, August 2, 1900. Letter to an unidentified gentleman. In full: “I am much complimented by your proposal. I have no engagement on Wednesday morning 8th instant and unless I hear to the contrary I will call upon Mr. Leslie Ward at 9.30 am on that date.” In very good condition, with rusty paperclip impressions to top edge, scattered creasing and wrinkling, and some scattered light toning and soiling.
Given the timing of this letter, it is likely that the meeting with Ward pertained to the artist’s painting a caricature of Churchill prior to his entry into politics. Leslie Ward (aka “Spy”), was a well-known artist and contributor to Vanity Fair magazine, the publication which ran a portrait of Churchill in its September 27, 1900 issue as part of a profile entitled “Men of the Day.” At the time, Churchill had only recently returned to England from South Africa and the Boer War, and was preparing for his first General Election as a Conservative candidate in Parliament. Ward’s finished product presented the future Prime Minister in a pose similar to that of his father, also a British politician. Interesting association to one of the most famous caricatures of Churchill. RRAuction COA.
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