DLA019-0018  Transcription

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE,

MAYFAIR.

May 15th 1930

Dear Mr de Laszlo,

If you had’nt [sic] said you hoped to be able to help me, I woul’dnt [sic] venture to write you about the Pageant.^[1] 

I’ve got a quarter of the guarantee money required already. Every ticket sold reduces its almost infinitesimal risk. Lord Melchett,^[2] Mr Robert Fleming,^[3] and Mr Body, (a Cowdray Partner) have each guaranteed £500, and I have myself guaranteed £1000. The total expenses are estimated at £7,500, if done cheaply, and £10,000 if beautifully done.

Fairbairn says with the wonderful material I have given him from my book, he can do far more with this Pageant, than with Hiawatha, and as you know, he is the greatest Pageant Master there is.^[4]

It is a real Empire Rally, as you will see by the synopsis,^[5] and I think should have a great appeal to everyone, as I am giving it in memory of my two sons, both of whom were killed,^[6] and the million other sons who lost their lives.

You have all your sons living, citizens of our Empire, and I realize what great responsibilities you must have, but as a thank offering, do you think you could help me by guaranteeing £500? Or find some enterprising friend who would do so. It promises to be such a wonderful success, but I am carrying a very big burden single-handed, and I should be immensely grateful for your help and encouragement.

Sincerely yrs

E Alec Tweedie

Editorial Notes:

Mrs Alec Tweedie, née Ethel Brilliana Harley (1862-1940); British author, painter and photographer

For de László’s reply, see DLA019-0017, letter from de László to Ethel Tweedie, 17 May 1930

SMDL

23/05/2018