Lot 1220

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

CLEMENT ATTLEE''S CABINET MEETING DOODLES
An unusual piece of British political memorabilia, a 3 1/4" x 8" slip of paper with the insignia of the Prime Minister at top, bearing on both sides seven sketches by Labour politician CLEMENT ATTLEE (1883-1967), who served as prime minister from 1945 to 1951. The front side of the sheet, bearing the insignia, features a geometrically abstracted bird and another abstract shape in pencil, while the verso shows another abstract shape and four human figures, three uncolored in profile, and a fourth full-frontal and fully colored in pencil. The doodles were collected by GEORGE MALLABY (1902-1978), who adds an inscription in ink at the bottom of the verso: "All these ''doodles'' were done by the Prime Minister, Mr. C.R. Attlee, during a meeting at No. 10 Downing St. at 9.0 P.M. on Tues. 23 Jan 1951". At the time, Mallaby was serving as an under-secretary in the Prime Minister''s Cabinet Office, and was often present at policy meetings. Attlee was known to doodle during meetings, and several examples bearing similar abstract shapes and executed on the same type of paper have been featured at auction in recent years. However, this is the only example we have found which depicts human figures. Also present with the item is its original transmittal envelope, addressed to Mallaby''s sister in Surrey. Ms. Mallaby added the name of our consignor, Mallaby''s nephew, at upper left. Shows one fold, with some minor smudging to the graphite of the doodles, else very good. Includes a copy of a signed letter from our consignor, setting forth provenance.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

December 20, 2017 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000