19th Jun, 2025 13:00
Autograph Letters, Historical Documents and Manuscripts
1427
WRIGHT FRANK LLOYD: (1867-1959)
´ It is useless to attempt to end our relations fairly ´
WRIGHT FRANK LLOYD: (1867-1959) American architect, designer & writer. A.L.S., Frank, three pages, 8vo, n.p. (en route), n.d. (1925) to Miriam Noel, his second wife, on the printed stationery of The Michigan Central Railroad Company, New York Central Lines. The architect pens a bitter letter, stating, in full, ´You may be right about Paris. I would have no security myself that would see you through with what you promised — promptly. I took your own suggestion in that matter at considerable increase of expense to myself. It seemed a quiet way out. Remember you are in the hands of lawyers who in keeping hold of you expect to get me for a good fee. They too want money. They are no worse than most but I imagine from what you write about them they are not in this case for their health, nor yours — nor mine. A Paris decree would take the case from them and their fee would be decreased accordingly. It would, nevertheless, be the most dignified dissolution for us both. I did not say I would never get a divorce on the grounds of desertion. But when Judge Fake said he thought I could not on those grounds I said there were other grounds upon which I might try. And these grounds in no way reflect upon your honor anymore than desertion does. They are technical steps purely and to be taken only in case you continue to make an unfair use of the “legal” instrument given you in good faith by me. In case you try to strike too hard with it — you may find it crumbled in your hands. And whatever dignity is now yours by possession of it, gone too, winning or losing. As for honor, is it not true that those who become most excited about it have least? I went to meet you at your lawyers office as you suggested and want to do my best for you. I did it and more. This new quibble is my reward. According to your statements — in writing — these lawyers betrayed me by exciting you to go back on your agreement with me and raising the spectre of the double-cross. I would keep any agreement I made with you as I always have. Any testimony submitted by me in this coming trial would be certified to you. But few words would be necessary. No cause given -- except voluntary absence on your part for one year and no contest. Your rights would be fully protected by the stipulation signed by you stating the terms and conditions upon which the divorce was to be granted. For the last time I have met you in this matter. It is useless to attempt to end our relations fairly. I am tired of quibbling about “honor” and payments and securities and pretexts ad nauseam. What I do now in this divorce matter or annulment of marriage to you — to protect myself from what has become unfair, obscene aggression far more than the traffic can bear — is my affair´. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Wright. VG
Frank Lloyd Wright had married his mistress, Maude ´Miriam´ Noel (1869-1930), in November 1923. The marriage (Wright´s second) was a tempestuous one, made worse by Noel´s morphine addiction, and only lasted a year. Their divorce was finally granted in 1927, by which time Wright was already living at Taliesin with Olga Lazović, whom he would marry in 1928.
€2,500 - €3,500
Buyer's premium: 25%
Condition Report
The condition is given at the end of each lot description, noting any faults, and providing a grading as to our opinion of the overall condition.
If you require more specific information, please submit a request using the button below.
WRIGHT FRANK LLOYD: (1867-1959) American architect, designer & writer. A.L.S., Frank, three pages, 8vo, n.p. (en route), n.d. (1925) to Miriam Noel, his second wife, on the printed stationery of The Michigan Central Railroad Company, New York Central Lines. The architect pens a bitter letter, stating, in full, ´You may be right about Paris. I would have no security myself that would see you through with what you promised — promptly. I took your own suggestion in that matter at considerable increase of expense to myself. It seemed a quiet way out. Remember you are in the hands of lawyers who in keeping hold of you expect to get me for a good fee. They too want money. They are no worse than most but I imagine from what you write about them they are not in this case for their health, nor yours — nor mine. A Paris decree would take the case from them and their fee would be decreased accordingly. It would, nevertheless, be the most dignified dissolution for us both. I did not say I would never get a divorce on the grounds of desertion. But when Judge Fake said he thought I could not on those grounds I said there were other grounds upon which I might try. And these grounds in no way reflect upon your honor anymore than desertion does. They are technical steps purely and to be taken only in case you continue to make an unfair use of the “legal” instrument given you in good faith by me. In case you try to strike too hard with it — you may find it crumbled in your hands. And whatever dignity is now yours by possession of it, gone too, winning or losing. As for honor, is it not true that those who become most excited about it have least? I went to meet you at your lawyers office as you suggested and want to do my best for you. I did it and more. This new quibble is my reward. According to your statements — in writing — these lawyers betrayed me by exciting you to go back on your agreement with me and raising the spectre of the double-cross. I would keep any agreement I made with you as I always have. Any testimony submitted by me in this coming trial would be certified to you. But few words would be necessary. No cause given -- except voluntary absence on your part for one year and no contest. Your rights would be fully protected by the stipulation signed by you stating the terms and conditions upon which the divorce was to be granted. For the last time I have met you in this matter. It is useless to attempt to end our relations fairly. I am tired of quibbling about “honor” and payments and securities and pretexts ad nauseam. What I do now in this divorce matter or annulment of marriage to you — to protect myself from what has become unfair, obscene aggression far more than the traffic can bear — is my affair´. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Wright. VG
Frank Lloyd Wright had married his mistress, Maude ´Miriam´ Noel (1869-1930), in November 1923. The marriage (Wright´s second) was a tempestuous one, made worse by Noel´s morphine addiction, and only lasted a year. Their divorce was finally granted in 1927, by which time Wright was already living at Taliesin with Olga Lazović, whom he would marry in 1928.
By far the most popular way to participate in our auctions is to bid live via our website on the day. If you are bidding online with IAA Europe for the first time you will need to create an account, which is a very easy and straightforward process. Once you have an account you will simply be required to register to bid in each sale. On the day you will have access to a live audio and visual stream so that you can follow the excitement of the auction as it happens and submit bids in real time.
There are also several simple ways that you can bid at our auctions without being online. The most traditional method is to submit a commission (or absentee) bid. This can be done through your personal IAA Europe account, or by contacting us directly via email or telephone to submit the information.
It is also possible to bid ‘live’ on the telephone during our auctions. However, there are a limited number of telephone lines available to us and telephone bids will only be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept telephone bids for lots with a minimum estimate of less than 400€. Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate the concession of telephone bidding, please be advised that IAA Europe S.L. are unable to accept any liability, howsoever caused in connection with telephone bidding. Please note that any lots purchased through telephone bidding will be subject to an additional 3% commission charge + VAT at the rate imposed on the hammer price.
Auction: Autograph Letters, Historical Documents and Manuscripts, 19th Jun, 2025
