SOPHIE

On a piece of 12 x 19cm paper. Discoloured and chipped, and laid down on an 8vo leaf removed from an album, with cut-out printed family crest letterheads in various colours on reverse. At head of page, in another contemporary hand: 'H. R. H. Princess Sophie's handwriting'. The letter is written in a difficult hand, and begins: 'The Princess Sophie returns Mr Clarke the enclosed Letter, & she also sends the sum of £1 .. 8 .. 9 for the 4 yds & 1/2 of <?> <?> he was so obliging as to purchase for her.' The letter continues with a request, ending '[...] this is much the fashion'.

2pp., 8vo. In very good condition, on lightly-aged paper. She apologises for not being able to be 'helpful on any of your questions'. She does not even possess a copy of her own 'Designing and Making Stage Costume'. 'I have no Motley designs at all, as every one which was in my possession has been sold to the University of Illinois, who have taken the whole collection of about 3000 swatches.' She is glad to hear that he has some of them, 'as it means that there are a few still in this country'.