THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

May 2nd [1952]

Dear Howes

I meant to have sent you what you wanted before I went abroad – but I c^d not find them.  The only authentic photograph of Down Ampney Vicarage is in a frame – W^d it be any good my sending you that?
Also I cannot find some of Ernest Irving’s letters – I am very sorry for this as they are wonderful letters.
Please let me have them back.¹
Yrs

R Vaughan Williams

1. Howes was preparing his book The Music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, published in 1954. He made considerable use of Irving’s letters in connexion with his discussion of the Epilogue of the Sixth Symphony, indeed Irving is one of only two people to receive a personal acknowledgement in the Preface apart from the composer. Irving himself wrote to VW about Howes’ views on the Epilogue on 30th May 1952 – see VWL2423. It is probable that this letter is therefore also to be assigned to 1952. Howes’ book did not in the event contain a photograph of Down Ampney vicarage.