The files contain postcards, greetings cards and letters on a variety of subjects. Some are from dancers discussing roles, some from friends and colleagues offering congratulations on particular ballets, some offer good wishes and news

Kenneth, Deborah and Charlotte MacMillan took a holiday on the Isle of Arran in 1980. This file comprises tourist information and correspondence

1. Issue of The Arran Banner, Arrans Weekly Newspaper, 23 Aug 1980, with notice of Kenneth, Deborah and Charlotte on holiday on Arran and visiting the Brodick Players production of Spare Parts.
2. Two further issues of The Arran Banner, forwarded by Tom Alexander, 6 Sep 1980 and 13 Sep 1980
3. 4 page autograph letter from Catherine Alexander to Deborah, Kenneth and Charlotte, thanking them for visiting the Drama Group. Gossip about life and family. Dated 18 Sep 1980. With envelope
   4.Three letters from Vera Pabb to Deborah MacMillan about the house the MacMillans' are renting from her, and general advice
4. One colour postcard, one Official Guide book, leaflet with boat times and one Isle of Arran Official Guide with map of the island surrounded by adverts
5. Typed leaflet for the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum
6. One handwritten note about hiring a car and getting to the Island, 1 Jun 1980
7. Press cutting with notice of a brief biography of Kenneth MacMillan supplied to the newspaper by Mrs Alice Ogilvie, MacMillan's aunt. Uncredited and undated
8. Two page handwritten letter from Tom Alexander to Kenneth and Deborah MacMillan, 3rd May

1. Greetings telegram from Jean and Arthur to Kenneth at Sadler's Wells Theatre 'Good Luck Sherlock Holmes', first night of The Great Detective. Date stamped 21 Jan 1953
2. Postcard of Loch Lomond from Jean and Arthur to Kenneth in Berlin, postmarked 10 Oct 1968. On holiday, hoping all well. Autograph in biro
3. Four letters from Jean to Kenneth, between 4 Sep 1966 and 28 Dec 1966, two with envelopes. News about Jean and Arthur's Guest House business, and family news. Autograph letters in biro on 'Crossford' Guest House letter headed paper
4. Four letters from Jean to Kenneth, between 14 May 1967 and 17 Dec 1967, one with envelope. Domestic and family news. Autograph letters in biro on lined writing paper
5. Five letters and one postcard from Jean to Kenneth, between 2 Apr 1968 and 7 Nov 1968, three with envelopes. Domestic and family news, reference to Frederick Ashton announcing Kenneth as his successor as Director of The Royal Ballet. Phyllis Adams has been asking about Kenneth. Looking forward to having Kenneth back in London.
6. Two undated letters, one with unclear postmark. Hoping to see Kenneth soon. Family news.
7. One postcard to Jean Sparham from Iceland, en route to New York, terrified of flying, n.d.
8. Postcard from Kenneth to Jean (Mrs A Sparham) from New York apologising for not writing. Enjoying himself, n.d.

This file comprises handwritten letters from Aunt Jean, signed from her and Uncle Bill, with family news. She encloses some colour photographs of herself and Uncle Bill and of other members of the family. One four page letter expresses the family's pleasure at being at the Graduation Ceremony when Kenneth MacMillan received the Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa, and their delight at meeting Charlotte, 6 Dec [1975]

The material in this file consists mainly of correspondence sent to Kenneth MacMillan suggesting stories, scenarios or music that he might be interested in creating ballets to. The correspondence mainly consists of a single letter, often with no reply. Some of the writers are known to Kenneth MacMillan, the majority are not. The material comprises:

1. Handwritten letter from Richard Tony Arnell, composer, suggesting a reworking of John Cranko's ballet The Angels, 12.12.1990, enclosing a printed leaflet with biography and photograph of Arnell
2. Handwritten letter from Margery Anthea Baird, Music Librarian at the University of London Library, suggesting Ralph Vaughan Williams' Fourth Symphony, 13.4.1981, with envelope
3. Five page handwritten letter from Irina Baronova suggesting the music of Antol Dorati, 29.6.1979, with envelope
4. Two page handwritten letter from Richard Rodney Bennett with details of a commission that might also interest Kenneth MacMillan, undated with envelope postmarked 11.5.1985
5. Printed booklet about Gerald, Lord Berners, from Chester Music, giving a brief biography and a selected list of works
6. Typed letter from Ed Bland, contemporary composer, explaining his interest in composing for dance and enclosing a list of compositions and accomplishments, undated but with envelope postmarked 3.6.1980
7. Two two-page typed letters from Werner Buechner about Margaret Buechner's score for the ballet Elizabeth, proposing the score as an alternative score for Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling, 18.3.1991, with Kenneth MacMillan's typed reply 12.7.1991
8. One typed page titled The White Swan a story for ballet by Sean Connery, giving the plot. With a press cutting for a review of the auto-biography of his ex-wife Diane Cilento that mentions the ballet. Undated but scenario c.1960s
9. Two page typed letter from Irene M P Cornes with suggestions for ballet on the life of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, 30.4.1992, with Kenneth MacMillan's typed response, 6.7.1992
10. One page typed letter from Kenneth J Crowther suggesting 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, 14,3,1991, with Kenneth MacMillan's typed response, 12.7.1991
11. One page typed letter from Kenyon Emrys-Roberts enclosing a tape of his music for the BBC TV drama Count Dracula (tape not with letter) 1.1.1980
12. One page typed letter from Pola Forchhammer requesting the return of his music for a ballet version of Hamlet, 27.12.1979
13. Three typed letters from David Gray re the play Clouds Go Right by Phyllis Gray, with idc from the Stage Door at the Royal Opera House, London, asking Kenneth MacMillan to call Mr Gray, and a response from Iris Law on behalf of Kenneth MacMillan, 26.5.1979-1.8.1978
14. Two handwritten letters from Lois Hudson, the first enclosing suggested scenes and a cassette with explanations and musical suggestions, and Kenneth MacMillan's typed response, 16.3.1992-6.7.1992 (cassette not with the letters)
15. Handwritten letter from John Jefferson-Hayes suggesting Schoenberg's Cello Concerto in D as a score for a ballet, 30.7.1990
16. Handwritten letter from Marie Jones suggesting music by Martinu based on an Indian tale, 12.12.1988
17. Hand written letter from Elisabeth Lyon enclosing a recording of some of her music and her short story about Saint Elisabeth, 5.3.1991, with Kenneth MacMillan's typed response returning her materials, 12.7.1991
18. Handwritten letter from John McGowan suggesting Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, 29.12.1981
19. Handwritten letter from Gordon Mackintosh about his dance-drama The Bacchae, undated with envelope postmarked 23.12.1982, envelope has lists of numbers with some names written by Kenneth MacMillan in blue pencil
20. Typed letter from Cecil Madden with details of a story by Cervantes, Rinconete and Cortadillo, with reply from Kenneth MacMillan's assistant, 23.7.1981 and 4.8.1981
21. Typed letter from Jane McCulloch, neighbour of Kenneth MacMillan's, suggesting a ballet on the life of Jean Harlow, 8.1.(1980)
22. Typed letter from Dallas M Coors re scenario for ballet on Marie Antoinette by Gordon Moody, 22.7.1981
23. Two page handwritten letter from Hugh Morris suggesting his play Dance of the Amanita as a ballet, undated
24. Typed letter from Claire O'Connor with typed scenarios for two ballet, 6.1.1991
25. Typed letter from Robin Orr, professor of music, offering a tape of his Third Symphony, 22.3.1983
26. Three handwritten letters and one typed scenario for a ballet, Murderer, from Alan Pinniger, 6.7.1982-19.2.1987
27. Four handwritten pages giving the Synopses of Puccini's Operas Edgar and La Rondine with notes about copyright and publishers. Written on music manuscript paper
28. Typed letter from Joyce I Robb with an idea for a ballet The Addict, 18.2.1981
29. Typed letter from Leonard Salzedo suggesting a revival of Mardi Gras, 2.5.1990
30. Handwritten letter from Violet Scrutton (?) requesting the return of her libretto for Peace Force idea for a ballet, 24.4.1979
31. Typed letter from Herbert Ross re speaking to Stephen Sondheim about using the score for Stavisky and enclosing contact details, on Nijinsky headed notepaper, 13.8.1979
32. Typed note from Stephen Sondheim who would be thrilled to have Kenneth MacMillan choreograph Stavisky, 24.9.1979
33. Handwritten letter from Kay Walsh about an idea for a ballet, 3rd March
34. Handwritten letter from Jean Lloyd Webber, mother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, suggesting Aurora, a tone poem written by Andrew's father, 21.2.1987
35. Handwritten card from Arnold Wesker discussing the possibility of a ballet of his play The Kitchen, 31.3.1980, with a photocopy of a review of a ballet of Equus
36. Two page handwritten letter from Ms S L Williams suggesting Bela Bartok's Dance Suite, 27.3.1981
37. Handwritten letter from R.Charles Williams offering to compose a score, undated
38. Handwritten letter from Nicholas Wilson enclosing a tape of his music and reminding Kenneth MacMillan that he has previously worked with Jonathan Burrows, 7.2.1991 (no tape with the letter)
39. Handwritten letter from Casper Wrede asking for a meeting to discuss an idea for a ballet, 18.12.1989
40. Typed letter from Howard Stokar Management recommending the music of Charles Wuorinen, enclosing five printed pages of additional information and two audio cassettes, 21.5.1991, and Kenneth MacMillan's reply returning the tapes, 12.7.1991
41. Handwritten letter from Michael Tippett asking if Kenneth MacMillan would want to be in charge of a new production of The Midsummer Marriage at the Royal Opera House, 16.1.1967
42. Typed letter from Simon&Schuster enclosing a copy of Ms Kay Thompson's Eloise and suggesting the possibility of a vocal ballet based on Eloise, 22 Jun 1982 (the copy is not in the Archive)

Nobuko Albery was married to Donald Albery, administrator for Sadler's Wells Ballet in the 1940s. She encloses a synopsis of a ballet based on the life of the Noh creator Zeami. 22.3.1982-16.12.1982

1. Two page typed letter from Hans Werner Henze to Kenneth MacMillan about the new full-length ballet he has written, Orpheus, which was given its world premiere by the Stuttgart Ballet in 1979. Henze would like Kenneth MacMillan to create a ballet to this score, 4.6.1980
2. Two page handwritten letter from Hans Werner Henze to Kenneth MacMillan, talking about William Forsythe's production of Orpheus for the Stuttgart Ballet, but still hoping for a more classical version, 24.8.1980
3. Two page typed letter from Hans Werner Henze to Kenneth MacMillan, discussing the possibility of working together on a production of Orpheus, music by Henze, words by Edward Bond, for the ballet of the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy, 13.1.1981.
4. Programme-book from the Wurttembergische Staatsheater, Stuttgart, Germany, for the production of Orpheus with choreography by William Forsythe, 1979
5. Two copies of a souvenir booklet published by Schott music publishers, Hans Werner Henze Orpheus, with production and music details, Edward Bond's libretto, photographs and reviews, 1979

Frederick Ashton, dancer and choreographer, was Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet from 1963-1970. The correspondence in this file consists of letters and telegrams of thanks, congratulations and good luck. Most are undated but can be dated from the context.

1. Typed letter with handwritten additions, on Royal Opera House, London, headed notepaper, thanks Kenneth for his good wishes for the first night [of A Month in the Country], Feb 1976
2. Handwritten letter with thanks for telegram of congratulations and speaks of the impressive ceremony at Oxford, undated
3. Handwritten letter with thanks for the 'fromage' - he eats a lot of cheese now 'being a semi toothless septuagenarian'. Mentions difficulties with Lynn [Seymour] and going away for his 'month in the country', undated with envelope postmarked 19 Feb 1976
4. Handwritten letter wishing 'Dearest Kenneth 'good luck and thanks for the 'flattering dedication' [Mayerling]. He sends an antique Austrian waistcoat. 'The buttons have different Emperors on them', with envelope, undated but Mayerling was first performed in 1978
5. Handwritten note, good luck wishes, undated
6. Thanking Kenneth and Deborah for their kind wishes, from 'old 'octo' Fred'
7. Handwritten letter, with thanks for the plant and for party and 'for coming to cheer me on the last lap', with envelope, undated
8. Two good luck telegrams, one sent to the Coliseum Theatre, London with 'could be 2 June 1978' written by Jann Parry in biro on back of mount
9. One envelope handwritten by Frederick Ashton, addressed to Sir Kenneth MacMillan K.B.E 29 Jul 1985
10. One Houston Ballet envelope addressed to Sir Frederick Ashton, postmarked 12 Dec 1977

Correspondence from actors, artists, composers, dancers and friends on a variety of personal and professional subjects

Clement Crisp was a dance historian, author and critic, as well as Librarian and Archivist at the Royal Academy of Dance for many years. He was a good friend and supporter of the work of Kenneth MacMillan. The material in this file includes some writings on Kenneth MacMillan by Clement Crisp, but mostly comprises postcards, notes and letters that are humorous, often at the expense of people they both know, and could be considered offensive. The material comprises

1. Handmade card signed by Peter (Hollamby) and Clement (Crisp), undated. Peter Hollamby was Clement Crisp's life partner.
2. Carbon copy of two typed pages of a mock biography of Kenneth MacMillan, undated
3. Five postcards, one typed and two handwritten notes, including invitations and humorous comments about dancers and ballets seen, 1969-1992 and undated
4. Photocopy of an article from The Stage, surrounded by humorous comments by Clement Crisp in red ink, undated
5. Typed letter on The Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles headed notepaper, gossipy letter, August 18, no year
6. Typed letter praising the work of Kenneth MacMillan, having seen Requiem, Song of the Earth and My Brother, My Sisters in quick succession, 7.5.1978
7. Carbon copy of four typed pages of biography of Kenneth MacMillan by Clement Crisp, describing his work from Danses Concertantes in 1955 to Images of Love in 1964, with corrections in blue biro, undated
8. 10 typed pages, Kenneth MacMillan and His Ballets by Clement Crisp, the first seven giving a brief biography and a review of his ballets up to Romeo and Juliet, three final pages on Romeo and Juliet, with corrections in black biro, copyright Clement Crisp, undated
9. Carbon copy of three typed pages, Orpheus: Programme Note for Covent Garden by Clement Crisp, with handwritten corrections in blue biro, with typed note to Kenneth MacMillan 'For your comments', undated but Orpheus had its first performance in 1982
10. Carbon copy of three typed pages, MacMillan's Orpheus by Clement Crisp, taken from an interview with Kenneth MacMillan, with corrections in blue ink, with typed note to Kenneth MacMillan 'for your approval', 15.4.1982
11. One page typed letter enclosing a ballet scenario (not included) by Walter Gruber for I Promessi Sposi, undated but 1979 from the contents of the letter
12. Page from The Illustrated London News, 18.5.1912, with an illustration of forcible feeding of women suffragist prisoner, with additions by Clement Crisp in blue biro
13. Page from a press cutting album with photos of dancers, with additional captions by Clement Crisp in blue biro, undated
14. One photocopy of a mock x-ray, dated 1.7.1974