Lot 318: Rupert Bear. An autograph letter signed from

Rupert Bear. An autograph letter signed from Alfred E. Bestall [1892-1986], Beddgelert, North Wales, 19th April , 1972, "to Mrs Clark, thanking her for her letter, "I am briefly back in favourite haunts and, luckily, there is no Rupert work overdue - or even due. Among your many items of interest your mention of a Rupert teapot must certainly be reported to Mr. F. H. Chaplin who has edited my Rupert Annuals for many years. He is collecting much data about Rupert's history. He, of course, has the complete set of the Annuals, but his 'Little Bear Library' is not so complete & I happen to know that he is short of No. 21 and all those from No. 39 onwards ...', continuing with more Rupert related information, giving Mr. Chaplin's address and recommending him for help with dating, saying how the annual brought him close to collapse, and that although he did lot of the drawings several helpers were appointed, talking of Mary Tourtel and her involvement until her sight was lost, thanking her for enjoying his crazier characters and continuing in much the same vein, 3 pp., one sheet of Rupert letterhead with Rupert motif lower right, plus continuation sheet, 4to, together with a second autograph letter initialled to Alan Clark, 3rd September 1980, discussing the new annual but stating that he does not like the cover very much, "It is just too busy & too grinning, no perspective or useful spot, & a very weak rendering of Rollo ...', with further discussion of Rupert and mutual contacts, 4 pp., 8vo, plus orig. postmarked envelope (2)
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