Beecham (Thomas) & Norman Del Mar

A selection of letters between Sir Thomas Beecham and Norman Del Mar, including: an autograph letter from Beecham saying "I send the song 'Black Roses' and a cheque on account for thirty guineas. Is this satisfactory?", one page, 11 November 1946; a later latter from Beecham reads "This letter is to confirm the arrangement we concluded the other day, under which you are to function as my musical assistant generally, and as conductor of the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra when called upon to appear as such. The agreement will be for twelve months...and your retaining fee for the general services part of the agreement is to be one thousand pounds", two pages, 5 April 1947; in a typed later missive Beecham is sorry to inform Norman "that the losses both to the Company and myself were extremely heavy, and are such that I am unfortunately unable to renew my agreement with you for a further year...I shall continue to offer you engagements with the orchestra as these arise, and I am also writing personally to a large number of other societies which are in the habit of engaging guest conductors or their season's work", one page, 25 July 1948; a year later Del Mar writes "to wish you every happiness for your 70th birthday tomorrow...I shall all my life remember with gratitude what you have done for me, and treasure the experience I enjoyed during the period I was fortunate enough to work so closely with you", one page, 28 April 1949; together with a typed note signed by Beecham thanking Norman for his present, two letters to Del Mar from Lady Shirley Beecham and one from Lady's Beecham secretary, v.s., 1959-1979 (8)