J. M. Barrie Framed Letter and Photograph

5C J. M. Barrie. Handwritten letter dated 29 Feb 1908. Period framing.

Notes

The letter reads:

Leinster Corner, Lancaster Gate, W.

29 Feb 1908 

Dear Mrs. McShane, Thank you [penning?] for your pleasant letter and for the kind thoughts that prompted you to write to me.

Sincerely J. M. Barrie

J. M. Barrie (James Matthew Barrie, 1860–1937) was a Scottish author and playwright best known for creating Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up. He began developing the story in the early 1900s, inspired by his close relationship with the Llewelyn Davies family, particularly the five Davies boys. The character of Peter Pan first appeared in The Little White Bird (1902), but he came into full form with the stage play Peter Pan; or, The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, which premiered in December 1904 in London. Barrie later adapted the play into a novel, Peter and Wendy, published in 1911. By February of 1908, Barrie was already an established literary figure. That month, he was deeply involved in revisions and preparations for various theatrical productions, including maintaining Peter Pan's ongoing popularity in the West End. He was also writing and producing new works, such as What Every Woman Knows (which debuted in 1908), and remained active in literary circles. As for correspondence, Barrie did receive many letters from readers, particularly children who adored Peter Pan. While not as voluminous as fan mail received by modern celebrities, the letters were frequent and heartfelt, often expressing admiration or asking about Neverland and its characters. Barrie is known to have responded to some, especially those from children.

Leinster Corner, Lancaster Gate, W. was one of J. M. Barrie’s London residences and holds particular literary and historical significance. Situated on the edge of Hyde Park in the Bayswater area of West London, this address placed Barrie in a genteel, respectable neighborhood favored by artists, writers, and professionals. Barrie lived here during the height of Peter Pan’s theatrical success, and it's where he conducted much of his writing and correspondence. The home also hosted members of the Llewelyn Davies family, and it served as a creative space for Barrie, who enjoyed the proximity to Kensington Gardens—a place that deeply influenced his imagination and the world of Peter Pan. Today, a blue plaque marks the building to commemorate Barrie’s residence there, connecting the physical space with the legacy of one of Britain’s most beloved storytellers.

Description

Framed photograph and letter in a period setting. J. M. Barrie’s photograph is on the right and the letter on the left. The letter reads “Leinster Corner, Lancaster Gate, W. 29 Feb 1908 Dear Mrs. McShane, Thank you [penning?] for your pleasant letter and for the kind thoughts that prompted you to write to me. Sincerely J. M. Barrie”. A section of discoloration swoops along the bottom of the photograph. General clouding to the 117 year old glass. Wood is wearing slightly but could also have been part of the original style. Original wire hanging on the back with original brown paper flaking and torn in places as well. Wonderful piece of history connecting J.M. Barrie to a possible fan of his work.