- 55
Gandhi, Mohandas K.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Gandhi, Mohandas K.
- Autograph letter signed ("Bapu"), to Laura Sawyers (“dear Lauri”)
- ink on paper
sending a moving message of strength from prison to a young activist suffering serious illness (“...the very first time I met you, I saw how strong you were in will. And if God wants more service from you in your present existence, He will give you sufficient strength in body. For those who have faith in God, life and death are alike, ours is to serve till the last breath…”), written in purple ink, 2 pages, 8vo, Y[arvada] C[entral] P[rison], 19 June 1932, autograph envelope (addressed to "Lauri Sawyer"), [with:] photographic portrait of Sawyers, dated 1930 on the reverse
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Laura Sawyers (1903-1932) had met Gandhi in London in 1931 at Kingsley Hall, the East End community centre that became his London base during the Round Table conference. She was connected to the prominent Quaker pacifist Horace Alexander, who played a key role in ensuring Gandhi’s presence in London at the leader, and she can be seen with Gandhi in photographs taken during the visit. Gandhi wrote to her on Alexander's suggestion, when she was dying of brain cancer. Gandhi wrote separately to Alexander on 23 June 1932, describing Sawyers as a "beautiful character ... brave enough to face all the illnesses that may be in store for her and death." Sawyers died on 18 July 1932.