GILL, Eric (1882-1940). A Collection of c.23 autograph letters and postcards, signed ("Eric Gill" or "Eric G."), most to Desmond Flower, some with envelopes, dated variously 1928-35. (c.23)

GILL, Eric (1882-1940).  A Collection of c.23 autograph letters and postcards, signed ("Eric Gill" or "Eric G."), dated variously 1928-35, most to Desmond Flower, some with envelopes. On a variety of subjects, including designing a bookplate for Flower, a note from 1933 on working at the BBC, presumably on the sculptures at Broadcasting House (recently vandalised, and controversially repaired), on his response to Flower printing D. H. Lawrence's largely scathing review of Gill's "Art Nonsense" in The Book Collectors Quarterly ("... no, of course I don't 'take exception' to your printing of D. H. L. on Art Nonsense, I agree with practically all of it. I only hope I didn't spoil his last hours") and responding enthusiastically to lunch invitations. Desmond Flower (1907-97) was, in the opening words of Nicolas Barker's "Independent" obituary, "... a publisher, a book-collector, a scholar and a writer; he was business-like in his dealings, a generous and perceptive patron, sympathetic and courageous, appreciative of the good things of life. Yet there was a sense of promise not fulfilled, a talent that never found its ideal application." Please note that only a small part of the lot is illustrated. Provenance: Sotheby's, London, 20 July 1989, lot 470. (c.23)