Four ALSs, all to White House photographer Sam Sako, three signed “Jacqueline Kennedy,” one signed “J. Kennedy,” one multi-page and three single pages, all on White House letterhead. First letter is four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 7, dated June 27, 1961. In full: “I have been meaning for so long to write and tell you how grateful I am for the fantastic job you do on my very amateurish films—You make me feel as good a photographer as Mark—and we all know that isn’t true and is due to your miracles in the dark room. All the pictures I’ve taken before I’ve been almost ashamed to paste in my album—but the last ones—of my father in law & all my nieces & nephews were so good—they are treasures for me of our life here—and my girl and boy’s childhood—and I gave the extra ones to my in-laws as presents & they were so thrilled. A million thanks for your time and troubles and kindness and great skill.”
Two other one-page letters order photos from Sako, one reading in part: “About 5 x 7 twice as big as the little ones you sent last time—You keep these big contact pages.” The final letter, on a White House note card sends Christmas wishes. Two are accompanied by their original transmittal envelopes. In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light toning and soiling.
Though Jacqueline Kennedy’s passion for preserving and collecting art was well known, her own personal artistic interests were not. In this rare collection of letters, we get a glimpse at the First Lady’s “amateurish” creative outlet: photography. She had enjoyed taking pictures since college, and landed her first job after graduation as the ‘Inquiring Photographer’ for The Washington Times-Herald, interviewing and photographing local residents for publication in the weekly paper. Modest about her talent behind the camera, she admits some excited moments of pride to White House photographer Sam Sako, referencing Mark Shaw, the man responsible for some of the most famous images of the Kennedy family: “You make me feel as good a photographer as Mark—and we all know that isn’t true and is due to your miracles in the dark room.” A charming collection showing the young art-lover taking joy in her own creations. RR Auction COA.
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