Dec 15, 2023 10:00 EST

Stage & Screen

 
  Lot 5205
 

5205

Penned by Gershwin while writing Porgy and Bess

Estate / Collection: Collection of Composer and Producer Robert A. Israel

GERSHWIN, GEORGE

Autograph letter signed laid into a contemporary book. Folly Beach, South Carolina: 3 July 1934. A two-page autograph letter on a small bifolium of stationery addressed to Bob Blade and signed "George Gershwin," the letter reporting that he is in Folly Beach and regrets "very much not being in New York to meet you & see Pinkie Fry's pictures. I will be back in New York in about a month..." 6 1/2 x 5 inches (16.5 x 13 cm); accompanied by the original mailing envelope written in Gershwin's hand, the envelope tipped to the verso of the front free endpaper of the contemporary book George Gershwin: A Study in American Music by Isaac Goldberg (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1931), the book with Gershwin's New York address penciled at front, other images of Gershwin tipped and laid-in. The letter fine; the book somewhat cocked and worn.

A rare note from George Gershwin written during the summer he spent with DuBose Heyward at Folly Beach, South Carolina while writing Porgy and Bess.

Sold for $3,465
Estimated at $2,000 - $3,000

Includes Buyer's Premium


 

Estate / Collection: Collection of Composer and Producer Robert A. Israel

GERSHWIN, GEORGE

Autograph letter signed laid into a contemporary book. Folly Beach, South Carolina: 3 July 1934. A two-page autograph letter on a small bifolium of stationery addressed to Bob Blade and signed "George Gershwin," the letter reporting that he is in Folly Beach and regrets "very much not being in New York to meet you & see Pinkie Fry's pictures. I will be back in New York in about a month..." 6 1/2 x 5 inches (16.5 x 13 cm); accompanied by the original mailing envelope written in Gershwin's hand, the envelope tipped to the verso of the front free endpaper of the contemporary book George Gershwin: A Study in American Music by Isaac Goldberg (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1931), the book with Gershwin's New York address penciled at front, other images of Gershwin tipped and laid-in. The letter fine; the book somewhat cocked and worn.

A rare note from George Gershwin written during the summer he spent with DuBose Heyward at Folly Beach, South Carolina while writing Porgy and Bess.

Auction: Stage & Screen, Dec 15, 2023

  • Third Annual Stage & Screen Auction on December 15, 2023 Surpasses Expectations!
  • Art, Memorabilia, Autographs & Photographs of the Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
  • Held in Collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund


NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's third annual Stage & Screen auction on December 15, 2023 attracted determined competition from collectors and fans around the world resulting in a sale total that surpassed expectations! Held in collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund, the auction offered artwork, memorabilia, props, autographs and photographs from the vast history of the performing arts: Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.

Recognizing the importance of the performing arts to the fabric of New York, and the terrible toll the pandemic and recent strikes have taken on the entertainment community, Doyle is proud to donate 10% of our profit from this auction to the Entertainment Community Fund.

Highlighting the sale was an important 1969 letter and drawing from rock legend Freddie Mercury to Ibex bandmate Mick "Miffer" Smith that soared past its $12,000-18,000 estimate to achieve $50,400. Penned a year before forming Queen, Mercury discusses seeing Led Zeppelin, his sexuality, his songwriting, and his early bands’, Ibex and Wreckage, upcoming performances. The letter is a tour-de-force of descriptive thought and shows his growing passion for writing music.


The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund)

A special section of the auction comprising lots 5001 - 5019 featured celebrity memorabilia presented by the Entertainment Community Fund. While a portion of proceeds from every item in the auction benefited the Fund, 100% of the hammer price of the lots in this section goes entirely to the Entertainment Community Fund.

A highlight of this section was the stunning pink double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket worn by Daniel Craig to the world premiere of No Time To Die at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021. With competition from both sides of the Atlantic, the tuxedo jacket sold for $10,710, more than doubling its $3,000-5,000 estimate.

Founded in 1882, the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals. The Fund helps address the specific needs of those in the industry, with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts. Read More ►


We Invite You to Auction!

Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a free auction estimate.

For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141, ext 248, or email Peter.Costanzo@Doyle.com

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