Woolf’s autograph letter is resting on the portable writing desk owned by the poet Robert Browning, who was a friend of Woolf’s parents. In her letter, Woolf asks Leigh Ashton (who eventually became the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum) for “a desk that shuts up... something that would hold all my letters, papers, ink pots, & shut up & lock, & have drawers, & harmonise with my sister’s decorations...”

Virginia Woolf. Letter to Leigh Ashton, [29 May 1930?] Presented by Frances Hooper ’14.

Mahogany writing desk owned by Robert Browning. Presented by Dellah Harris Vail.

Mortimer Rare Book Room, Smith College

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