SHEPARD, Ernest Howard (1879-1976). Artist and book illustrator.
Series of eleven Autograph Letters Signed and a card (all signed 'Kip') to a friend E[ric] W[atson] Sheaf, ca 27 pages 8vo with 4 envelopes, 1959-1969. Good personal letters to a friend of forty years, containing a good deal of personal and family news but also discussing his work and current contracts, auction sales of his work etc.

'... I think Norah told Jo that the B.B.C people came here on Thursday and took me from every angle. They brought masses of equipment - 2 cameras (one enormous on a stand that swivelled) and very powerful spot lights which I found most trying. ... It was largely a matter of question and answer about Punch - my drawings for the Milne books and how I came to make them, then about Wind in the Willows. ...' [6 January 1969]
'... Norah and I had a long and busy day in town yesterday. She went in the afternoon to consult an eye specialist ... I spent a long afternoon with Methuen's discussing plans for a new edition in full colour, of Wind in the Willows. It will mean a lot of work for me but, it seems, I can take my time. ... I did moderately well at Sothebys. [17 January 1969]
'... I have finished the big job for Methuens - over a hundred drawings to colour for their new edition of "Wind in the Willows" in full colour. I did not have to re draw them. For they reproduced in line blocks 1½ times larger than the original blocks & then sent me specimens of paper which would take watercolour - I chose one with a lovely surface & thick so as not to crinkle. It was fun doing it and I was able to work fast. ...' [21 May 1969]
'My warmest felicitations to you on this great occasion - your 90th birthday and I hope you will have a really happy day surrounded by your family. I send you a token of my regard and I hope it is the kind of pipe you like; if not I will get it changed for you. It may interest you to know that I am re-reading Philip Guedalla's "The Duke" with even greater enjoyment than I did years ago when you gave it to me. ...' [17 June 1969 Shepard also had his 90th birthday this year)]

Shepard also discusses his and Norah's extensive world travels, press interviews, the American edition of the new illustrations, comments on music, and sends or receives gifts etc.
[No: 20330]