A handsome Winston Churchill typed and signed letter from 26th October 1955 to Charles Wood, 2nd earl of Halifax (1912-1980). Accompanied by a large portrait photo of the British Prime Minister.
The letter reads, in full:
"My Dear Wood, I am so much obliged to you for the work you are doing for me. Pray accept the enclosed cheque, Yours very sincerely".
Churchill has signed the letter clearly and handsomely "Winston Churchill" in black fountain pen ink.
The letter comprises a single sheet of light grey stationery paper (approx 5 x 8 inches).
Winston Churchill (1874 –1965) was a politician and statesman who twice served as British Prime Minister, and is regarded as one of the most influential people in British history.
Churchill led Britain to victory against Nazi Germany during WWII, with his regular speeches and broadcasts inspiring resistance against Adolf Hitler during the darkest days of the conflict.
In 1963 he became the first person to be declared an honorary citizen of the United States, and following his death in 1965 he was granted a state funeral by Queen Elizabeth II to mark his service to the nation.
About the letter's recipient, Charles Wood
Charles Wood, a former Conservative MP, was the deputy lieutenant of the East Riding in Yorkshire when Churchill writes to him.
It is unclear what work the earl has been undertaking for Churchill, but it is likely to be political business.
Further details about the letter
Churchill wrote the letter just six months after stepping down as prime minister, in April 1955, following a stroke the previous year.
The letter was typed on Churchill's 28 Hyde Park Gate, London stationery, but with the address crossed out and replaced with “La Capponcina, | Cap d’Ail | A.M”.
La Capponcina at Cap d’Ail in the south of France was a villa belonging to Churchill’s friend Lord Beaverbrook (1879-1964), the Canadian-born Conservative political figure and media mogul.
Churchill regularly holidayed at La Capponcina in the 1940s and 1950s, and painted several of his celebrated artworks in the environs of Cap d’Ail.
Churchill bought 28 Hyde Park Gate in 1945. When not the resident of 10 Downing Street, Churchill divided his time between 28 Hyde Park Gate and his ancestral home at Chartwell. Churchill died at 28 Hyde Park Gate in 1965.
The letter features a single horizontal fold crease which does not affect the signature, minor edge toning and a couple of staple holes to the top left corner.
The letter comes mounted, framed and glazed together with a large photo portrait of Churchill (see image). Ready for immediate display.
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