Breathtaking archive of correspondence from Taylor to Hedda Hopper, the pioneering Hollywood gossip columnist, as well as some of Hopper's personal papers related to Taylor. Most important are early letters and cards, dated between 1946 and 1954, six of which are signed by Taylor, outlined as follows:
ALS inside a Christmas card, signed "Elizabeth Taylor," one page both sides, 4.5 x 5.5, no date but circa late 1946. In full: "I hope you have a happy happy Xmas and a New Year. I want to thank you for being so nice to me—for all the nice things you write about me in your newspaper. Someday I would like too [sic] come to see you and bring my new pet chipmunk 'Nibbles' to see you. He is so sweet. You would love him and so would your little dog." Her experiences with the chipmunk led her to write, illustrate, and publish a book entitled Nibbles and Me.
ALS signed "Elizabeth," four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 4, personal letterhead, February 2, 1948. In part: "Thank you for the wonderful paragraph you had about me, in your column today. When I arrived in 'makeup' this morning (at eight o'clock) everyone came rushing up to me, asking me if I had read it…Mother dashed out to buy a paper and we were so thrilled and happy when we read it. Hedda you have always been so wonderful to me and I do so appreciate it…I was so glad you mentioned 'Young Bess' because I want to do it more than anything in the world. Mr. Franklyn [sic] has promised to test me for it—and has promised to work with me on the test, just like it was a production—oh it is such a wonderful part. I hope I get it! I closed in 'Date with Judy' last Wednesday morning—and started with 'Julia Misbehaves' in the afternoon. That's the way I like it. It's such fun. Everybody is so nice." Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Taylor's hand. Despite Taylor's unbridled enthusiasm for the role, Jean Simmons was selected to play Young Bess in the biopic about the early life of Queen Elizabeth I.
An original invitation to Taylor's first bridal shower to be held on April 2, 1950, in the Sun Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in anticipation of her forthcoming marriage to Conrad 'Nicky' Hilton. Invitation indicates that the shower was being organized by Helen Rose, an MGM costume designer who also created Taylor's wedding dress.
ALS signed "Elizabeth," three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 4, floral letterhead, no date but postmarked April 4, 1950. Taylor thanks Hopper two days after her bridal shower. In part: "I just can't thank you enough for that gorgeous lace scarf you gave me—it's the prettiest thing I've ever seen." Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Taylor's hand, including her name and return address on the flap.
Thank-you card signed "Elizabeth," 3 x 4, no date but postmarked February 21, 1955. In part: "The clock is lovely. It's the only one we have in the nursery." Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Taylor gave birth to her second child, Christopher, just one week after sending this note.
Easter card featuring chicks gathered around hat full of eggs, signed "Elizabeth & Mike (Wilding)," 4.75 x 6.25, no date but circa 1954. Inside, Taylor writes: "This looked so much like you that I just couldn't resist it." A nice example of Taylor's sense of humor, as Hopper was known for her large and flamboyant hats.
Handmade Christmas card featuring an affixed image of Taylor in 'Courage of Lassie,' 5.25 x 8, no date. Inside, Taylor uses festive inks to write: "Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year from Elizabeth Taylor."
Also of interest are seven TLSs to Hopper from her father, Francis Taylor, six from 1941 and one from 1949, related to the beginning of Taylor's career, one including a glossy 8 x 10 publicity photo of her at age nine; an original candid snapshot of Hopper with Francis Taylor is also present, as well as an ALS from her mother, Sara. Included as well are over a dozen original typescripts and drafts of Hopper's work related to Taylor, including articles and interview transcripts, many of which bear pencil corrections and notations. Finishing off the archive are an abundance of Taylor–related articles clipped from newspapers, dated between 1947 and 1956. Contents of archive are generally in overall fine condition.
All together, this is an amazing assemblage of items chronicling Taylor's growth during an early period of her career, as well as her relationship with Hopper. These letters offer an extraordinary insider's view of Taylor's career—from her early cinematic successes and failures to her first marriage in what would become a legendary caravan of husbands, her life and work are superbly represented. RR Auction COA.
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