BRADMAN CORRESPONDENCE REVEALS THE POISON PEN OF CRICKET’S GREATEST SPORTING SON
Media Release 29 August, 2018
BRADMAN CORRESPONDENCE REVEALS THE POISON PEN
OF CRICKET’S GREATEST SPORTING SON
One hundred and ten years ago this week, Sir Donald Bradman was born in Cootamundra, a small sheep and farming community south-west of Sydney. Sheep, it seems, were an uncomfortable motif for this most private of sporting heroes. In a unique trove of correspondence that will be sold through Leski Auctions, Bradman reveals his anger at being classified as an Englishman. In one letter he says: “I took a very poor view of the suggestion that my ancestors were deported for sheep stealing.”
While Bradman was aloof in public, he didn’t hold back in his private correspondence. That is what we learn from a remarkable archive of 49 hand and typewritten letters that passed between Bradman and Nigel Ward, a former England cricket umpire who Bradman corresponded with until his death in 2001.
He took a particular dislike to the fiery and controversial English batsman, Geoff Boycott. “Boycott is so engrossed by Boycott and I greatly dislike people who have tickets on themselves. Humility is one of the finest virtues of a human being.” Other English cricketers and many of their Australian counterparts fared no better under Bradman’s pen.
“What we learn from this correspondence is that the private side of Sir Donald Bradman sits in stark contrast to his public image,” says Charles Leski. “This correspondence is particularly important in understanding the mindset of cricket’s most important player, whose influence transcends anyone in the sport, whether on or off the field.”
Lot 148 has a pre-sale estimate of $40,000 – $60,000. (NB: Image available at https://www.leski.com.au/images/lot/3567/356703_0.jpg?1533894482)
The lot will be offered by Leski Auctions (www.leski.com.au) on Sunday, 2 September from 3.00pm.
About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia’s leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately. Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton. It has sold more ‘baggy green’ caps than any other auction house in the world.
Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts’ Cultural Gifts Program. He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne. Harry Glenn, an industry veteran with more than 20 years experience, has been working with Charles since 2012.
The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.
Tel +61 3 8539 6150 and www.leski.com.au
Issued by: Charles Leski, Leski Auctions Michael Krape, Michael Krape Consulting
Tel: +61 (0) 412 053 692 Tel: +61 (0) 403 135 880
[email protected] [email protected]