| Admin/Biog History | Monkton House, West Dean, is an English country house designed in 1902 by Edwin Lutyens. It was extensively remodelled in the 1930s by Edward James, the poet and patron of the surrealist art movement. The architects, Christopher Nicholson and Hugh Casson worked on the remodel, and were assisted by Salvador Dalí. James also collected Surrealist art and furniture for the property.
After James' death in 1984, the building passed into the hands of the Edward James Trust, and in 1986, the foundation announced it intended to sell the house and its contents.
A campaign, 'The Monkton Appeal', was launched by The Thirties Society and Save Britain's Heritage to purchase both the house and its content for the nation, this was ultimately unsuccesful. A five-day auction of the contents of Monkton, described as "The Edward James Collection", was held by Christie's in June 1986, the house was sold that same month. |
| Description | This file includes material related to The Thirties Society and Save Britain's Heritage's campaign to purchase Monkton House and its content. It includes extensive correspondence between various members of both socieities, English Heritage, National Heritage Memorial Fund, and the Edward James Trust. Also includes publicity material related to the campaign, including flyers, and a poster housed in the OS portfolio.
It also includes material concerning the contents of the house and items sold at the Christie's sale, Friday 6 June, 1986.
It also concerns Stamp's interest and research into Edward James.
Of particular interest:
-letter from Diana Mosley, dated 7 Jun 1986, concerning her friendship with Edward James
-letter from Jim (James) Richards, dated 9 Aug 1991, concerning a lecture he gave at the Edward James Memorial Lecture, 14 Jul 1990, with lecture text attached
-draft of Nooks & Corners article, dated 21 May 1986
-draft of Stamp's contribution to the Monkton House Report, dated 17 Jan 1986 |
| Image Caption | Letter from James (Jim) Richards, dated 9 Aug 1991, concerning his lecture at the Edward James Memorial Lecture |