Collection of Correspondence and Ephemera from the Richard J. Neutra Institute

Pair of Typed Letters Signed from the Austrian-American architect and his wife to Professor Irma Antonetto (erroneously addressed in Richard's letter as "Erma") of the Associazione Culturale Italiana, together with several pieces of ephemera related to the Richard J. Neutra Institute and Dione Neutra's musical performances.  TLS from Dione regards transportation arrangements for Richard's upcoming speaking engagement.  Dated October 13, 1961; 1 pp. on A4 personal stationary.  In part, "As requested we are glad to send you a list of our friends in Italy to whom you may like to send an announcement of Mr. Neutra's lecturing for your association."  Wear to lower left corner, expected mailing folds, else fine.  TLS from Richard continues discussions of Professor Antonetto's request for "a little article."  Dated February 13, 1962; 1 pp., on his A4 stationary.  In part, "I myself think that the article should be short, and it would be good to have it illustrated.  Naturally I would like to say something good about the Associazione and your wonderful activities of cultural exchange.  Perhaps you would like to use the occasion that I am having a 70th anniversary in April, to approach the editors of certain magazines or newspapers with the idea that you have an article of a philosophical nature, written by me for the Associazione."  Mailing folds, else fine.  Together with a sheet of paper bearing halftone renderings of the "Richard J. Neutra Institute's Silverlake Research House," better known as the Neutra VDL Studio and Residences on Silver Lake Boulevard in Los Angeles, an application for membership with the Richard J. Neutra Institute, an advertisement from the Institute advertising a record of folk songs and art songs recorded by Dione, an accomplished cellist, and finally a program for a performance she gave at the 1963 Fine Arts Festival at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Application shows some light toning along with three horizontal creases, else all fine.

Richard Neutra spent most of his career living and building in Southern California. He is among the most prominent and important Modernist architects.

Dione Neutra dedicated much of her life to looking after their children and handling Richard's schedule, but she was an accomplished cellist and singer who performed her own arrangements of folk songs for voice and cello.

Irma Antonetto (1920-1993), was founder and director of the Associazione Culturale Italiana [Association of Italian Culture] for 46 years, during which time she brought some 400 philosophers, writers, scientists, artists, and Nobel winners to lecture in Italy. She was recipient of the 1964 Cavaliere al merito della Repubblica italiana. (19190)

---

TLS

Art & Design

• Sold