Description:

EDWARD VIII
(1894-1972) King of England whose abdication of the throne in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson rocked Great Britain and led to his spending the balance of his life in self-imposed exile. Fine content T.Ms. (not signed) as Prince of Wales, 5pp. 4to., Buckingham Palace, Apr. 26, 1919, a draft of a speech by Edward to be given at a dinner of the Royal Academy, and bearing within numerous holograph corrections in pencil. In the midst of an endless war, Edward struggles to speak about the importance of art in those dark days: "…It is with feelings of considerable diffidence that I address this distinguished assembly. During the past sixty years the dinner given by the Royal Academy has rarely taken place without the presence among its guests of my Grandfather or my Father. To follow in their footsteps is a great responsibility. I have not their long experience, but I hope that time will prove that I show the same interest as they ever evinced in all that concerns the well-being of the Royal Academy. I am deeply grateful to the President for the kind and appreciative terms in which he has coupled with this toast the named of my dear Mother, of Queen Alexandra, and of the other members of my Family…The past four and a half year of war have led me into paths far distant from those of the Arts. I wonder what expression this great world struggle will leave upon the artistic [sic] of the 20th Century? What will the effect of the experiences, for instance, of trench warfare, its monotonous, strenuous, undramatic life, but yet one calling forth all the dogged resistance and the heroic self-sacrifice of manhood? I can not presume to offer any opinion on Art…But perhaps I may be allowed to remind this eminent body of Royal Academicians of one new branch of art which has not only played an important part in our naval and military achievements, but has created a new name…the triumph of camouflage…which we in this country owe so much to a distinguished Royal Academician…Can not this representative Society of Art brings its powerful influence to bear upon the scheme…of the new homes, designs, not only utilitarian in character, but attractive to the eye?...It is indeed a happy coincidence that such a distinguished Architect has, for the first time in the life of the Royal Academy, now been chosen as its President…". Edward had wanted to enlist when War broke out in 1914, but was prevented from doing so fear of his being captured. Nonetheless, Edward witnessed trench warfare first hand while visiting the front. Although armistice was reached Nov. 11, 1818, it would be seven months before a final peace was ratified. With a second typed Ms. (not signed) of the same speech,6pp. 8vo., marked only with crosses in red pencil at the paragraph breaks, likely the presentation copy. Folds and soiling, very good.

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October 10, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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