[Norman Nicholson, Cumbrian poet, to the playwright Christopher Fry.] Typed Letter Signed ('Norman Nicholson') on his wife's death and his approaching seventieth birthday: 'I may be able to finish a poem – my first for three years!'

1p, landscape 12mo. In good condition, folded twice. With envelope addressed to Fry at his East Dean address. Fry has written at the head of the cover of the envelope: 'From Norman Nicholson'. After thanking Fry for his 'good wishes at Christmas', Nicholson continues: 'I, too, am sorry that we have not met, which – unless you are ever in Cumberland – seems less likely than ever, as I am much less mobile since the death of my wife.' He presumes Fry has learnt of his bereavement from Edward Lowbury, 'for I know that you were a friend of his father-in-law's'. Regarding his wife's death he writes: 'I feel as if the scaffolding had been kicked out from under my life.' Nevertheless people have been kind, and he is 'well looked-after by two of my wife's ex-pupils. There's even a good chance that I may be able to finish a poem – my first for three years! | And, at any rate, on the date of writing, I am able to sing: “I'm seventy come Sunday.”