Eight passionate love letters written by the celebrated poet John Keats to his fiancée, Fanny Brawne, which were stolen nearly 40 years ago, have been recovered and are now set to be displayed and subsequently auctioned. The letters will first be exhibited at Sotheby’s New Bond Street in London from 11 to 15 May, marking their first public display in the city in 140 years, before being sold at Sotheby’s New York in June.
Historic Auction Expected to Fetch Millions
These historic correspondences are anticipated to fetch between $1.5 million and $2.5 million (£1.11 million to £1.85 million) at the upcoming auction. The collection provides an intimate glimpse into Keats's intense relationship with Brawne, featuring declarations of profound affection and reflections on the 'pains and torments' of their separation.
Recovery After Decades
The letters resurfaced in New York this year after being brought to a Manhattan rare book dealer. They were subsequently returned to the Whitney estate on 20 April, in coordination with the New York District Attorney’s office. The recovery marks the end of a nearly 40-year mystery surrounding the theft of these invaluable literary artifacts.
John Keats, one of the most renowned Romantic poets, wrote these letters during the final years of his life, capturing his deep love for Fanny Brawne. The exhibition at Sotheby’s offers a rare opportunity for the public to view these personal documents before they are sold to a private collector.
