Autograph Letters Signed (one complete, one incomplete) to "Vale".

Artist and illustrator (1878-1957). (Complete letter, 1919) Three pages, 4to, fold marks, sl. damage but text complete and clear. A detailed letter giving information about Wood's post-war activities and "busyness"), current projects, his toy manufactory, etc. He received this letter from a prospective collaborator via his agents, Messrs Francis <& Hills?>. He asks if he has left "Valley"[?]. Vale has asked him to illustrate a book but (forced to be "commercial") it depends on payment particularly since he has more work than he can handle, ("congested with orders & commisions, have a big contract for one publisher, which alone means work for the next two years & more!"). He goes on to discuss the" "Toy" matter" - "I had to shut down my little factory at Eastbourne", he being in France and his partner being called up also." He would like to talk about starting again ("I believe 'toys' of the right sort have a safe future, only they must be as cheap [underlined] as possible."). He asks for news of his correspondent, and gives personal information about himself (family deaths and funerals, mainly). He concludes with describing his new home. WITH: The final page (2) of a two-page letter, 4to,also to "Vale" (as above) some text cross-written, revealing that he and Vale could not get together on a book on this occasion because of Wood's current commissions, the discusses his palns for buying property (a small farm as a "hobby and by degrees drop out of Art work for 'money', just do what I felt"). He describes the property he has developed already. Note: Lawson Wood letters are scarce, and these items are particularly revealing of his life, work, circumstances and ambitions. Two items,