Sir Alfred Munnings, PRA, letters to Dame Laura Knight, RA

RA Collection: Archive

Archive context

Showing item 44 of 73 in this group

Reference code

MUN

Title

Sir Alfred Munnings, PRA, letters to Dame Laura Knight, RA

Date

1942-1955

Level

Fonds

Extent & medium

33 pieces

Previous reference codes

2865

Historical Background

Munnings first met Laura Knight in Cornwall shortly before World War I and they remained close friends.

Content Description

The letters reflect the strong friendship between these artists in their relaxed and unbuttoned manner, typical of Munnings's writing style. Although the earliest letter dates from 1942 they extend through and beyond Munnings's tenure as President of the Royal Academy and provide insights into his relationship with the institution and its members. His notorious hatred of modernism and its exponents and his love of doggerel are also amply reflected.

Provenance

Unknown

Acquisition Details

Acquired from Michael Silverman Manuscripts in June 2000.

Available Copies

Items 1,2, 8, 9 & 10 were part published in "Laura Knight", by Janet Dunbar (1975), although 1 & 2 appear to have been confused.

Bibliography

"Laura Knight", Janet Dunbar, London: Collins, 1975. ISBN 0 00 211489 5