Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994), wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and First Lady of the United States, autographed handwritten letter (ALS), no date. "Jackie O" became a cultural icon in her own right; her reverence for the arts, personal fashion sense, air of elegance and grace, and career as a book editor with Doubleday elevated her to a status above and beyond that of 'First Lady.' 

Penned on 1040 Fifth Avenue stationery, Onassis writes at length to her interior designer, Lee Onthank Barrett, regarding a quilt she's looking to give to a friend for Christmas, in part: "For Xmas I am going to give Mrs. Mellon a quilt made of swatches of all the different blue material in her houses - the secretary is sending & gathering swatches - It has to be so pretty - & you will have to get it made up - I think it should be the size of a throw for a chaise...It should be finished, (the edges etc) so prettily...," continuing, "I am trying to invent the design now - Is there any book of quilts you could send me?," signing at the conclusion, "Jacqueline Onassis."

An integral player at the internationally renowned Manhattan interior design firm Keith Irvine and Thomas Fleming, Inc., Barrett worked with Jackie after her departure from the White House. He was also employed by other family members, including Ted and Joan Kennedy, Patricia [Kennedy] Lawford, Eunice and Sargent Shriver, and Jean and Stephen Smith. 

Letter is accompanied by original mailing envelope, addressed in Onassis's hand to "Keith Irvine" and "Attention Lee."

Measuring approximately 5.25 x 7.75, this letter is in overall fine condition, with the expected mailing fold, some light surface wrinkling and some darker blue areas from water exposure.