^Lot 652 George Bernard Shaw

ALS signed “G. Bernard Shaw,” one page, 7 x 4.5, personal letterhead, March 20, 1917. Letter to artist Phelan Gibb. In full: “Thank you for your letter, but it does not alter the situation. I still think that designs should be reproduced and thus made available for a large number of purchasers. This would make it possible to spend more time on them than on each pictures, though in my opinion a man who takes as long to make a design as to paint an easel picture of equal rank has mistaken his profession.

It is not possible for me to allow my private letters to be quoted as advertisements—for that is what your naive proposal comes to. Every gallery in London has had a try; and the dealers suggest to innocent young artists that they should come to me for catalogue prefaces and the like; but I am not to be lauded. I refuse everybody and so offend nobody. Besides, it would hardly help you to quote my opinion that your prices are ridiculous; and it would not be honest to detach a complimentary expression from its context and give that as my whole opinion.” In fine condition, with a central vertical fold and a bit of mild soiling. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. An exemplary example of Shaw fervently protecting his literary reputation…in his own inimitable style.