The two items date from February 1965 when she was at the height of her popularity. They are to the architect Patrick O’Keefe and refer to some illuminated text that he’d sent her. From the letter of February 10: ‘If only my flat was large enough, I’d frame your pretty lettering and hang it centrally so all who come should see and agree but I think my husband would be overcome if I introduced yet more into this place.’ At the top, she’s added: ‘Today is my birthday and I’m treating your text as a birthday card. A nice one too. But you shall have it back.’
The postcard is dated February 15 (1965). Grenfell says she’s busy preparing for her one-woman show and invites O’Keeffe to come and see her at the theatre.
The letter has a fold, some creasing and a slight smudge on her signature; the postcard has creasing.