Peter Cushing (1913-1994) Three Mabel Lucie Attwell colour postcards - each sent at the same time by the actor to his wife Helen, handwritten in pencil, dated '20.vii.52'.

The first reads, 'In a café ‘on the front, Worthing, having a HARLICKS!! My dearest dear - thank you ever so much for your lovely letter . . . Cushing advised her he had just finished rehearsing a new scene with Bolling, 'I made them laugh by suggesting that Edith ? should be offered a special wish to play the ? Brown role in Cardiff . . .';

The second postcard continues, 'with a Welsh accent! I’ve got a seat for you for the evening performance, darling, on Saturday and I’ve enquired about your trains from Victoria direct to Worthing (Central I think) so you don’t have to change at Brighton. I wasn’t sure if you would like to come earlier so as to have the morning here . . .' Cushing has also listed three Pullman train times departing from Victoria and arriving at Worthing arrival times;

The third postcard (with a slight stain at top continues) '. . . it would be lovely to have you here dearest as long as it’s not a BARR FAR MUMMAR' and 'if (she) arrives in the morning I can meet you at the station, if you come in the afternoon will you come along to the theatre . . . Thank you for taking my shoes dear, the pairs I have are not comfy. I loved what Benhams said! All my love xxx', Cushing signs off with a doodle of a dog bone and paw print. (3)

Peter Cushing was a prolific writer to his wife whilst they were apart, and frequently used pet names as in this case, and often sent postcards by Mabel Lucie Attwell. He was famously devoted to his wife, Violet Hélène Beck, and in later years Cushing became increasingly reclusive following her death in 1971.

Provenance: ex- Peter Cushing Collection: Canterbury Auctions, 2023.