Typed Letter signed, to Gwynneth L. Thurburn.

Eliot (T.S.)

Typed Letter signed, to Gwynneth L. Thurburn.

Description: typed on a single side of Criterion-headed paper, signed in black ink at foot, p. [1], 4to sometime folded, very good condition

Publication Details: 28 January 1937

Notes: An unpublished and rather slight letter, some six lines, which carries a more weighty subtext. Eliot writes to 'Miss Thurburn', of the Central School of Speech and Drama, declining her invitation to read at their 'verse reading society'. Though Eliot doesn't enlarge upon his reason for refusing to 'undertake any more engagements during this spring and summer ', we might assume that it relates in part to the prospect of spending a good portion of those months in the company of some New England visitors – foremost amongst which was Emily Hale, alongside her guardians Aunt Edith and Uncle John...moreAn unpublished and rather slight letter, some six lines, which carries a more weighty subtext. Eliot writes to 'Miss Thurburn', of the Central School of Speech and Drama, declining her invitation to read at their 'verse reading society'. Though Eliot doesn't enlarge upon his reason for refusing to 'undertake any more engagements during this spring and summer ', we might assume that it relates in part to the prospect of spending a good portion of those months in the company of some New England visitors – foremost amongst which was Emily Hale, alongside her guardians Aunt Edith and Uncle John, their itinerary including the customary trip to the Cotswolds that Eliot cherished (an earlier such visit would inspire 'Burnt Norton'). Hale's significance in Eliot's life is well established: their relationship, beginning 25 years earlier, was in its nature romantic, each party deriving the expectation of marriage at different points; though unconsummated, she served as the inspiration for some of his most tender verse.Gwynneth Thurburn was a progressive drama teacher (this, coincidentally, also Hale's profession), who had earlier collaborated with Eliot in training the amateur choruses for 'The Rock' and 'Murder in the Cathedral' – along with Elsie Fogerty, the school's founder – and Eliot's correspondence with her begins around the time of the play's production. Thurburn was first a student, then a teacher, and finally the Principal at the Central School, where – among others – she taught Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave. HIDE

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