Description

ALS signed “Jackie,”
Two pages, 5″ x 8″, White House letterhead
No date

Letter to photographer Mark Shaw, in full: “Your pictures were lovely & the color ones UNBELIEVABLE—what is your secret?—Besides your eye, film, paper?—Anyway, JFK loves the one best of John on my lap looking up at me & has gotten it especially framed for his office—which I consider the highest compliment—to John & me & most of all to you.” She adds a postscript on the second page: “JFK has taken my favorite—the one where John is on my lap turning around & looking up at me—do you think I could have 1 more of each & 3 of that—save these in case we ever need a desperate color photo—You really are a genius!”

Removably mounted side-by-side and matted to an overall size of 13.5 x 11. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, creasing, and light soiling. Accompanied by Shaw’s book The John F. Kennedys: A Family Album, hardcover with dust jacket, published by Farrar, Straus in 1964.

Shaw met the Kennedys while working as a photojournalist for Life magazine in 1959 and they began a close relationship, with Shaw becoming their de facto family photographer. As a personal friend, Shaw was able to capture intimate family moments in private, casual settings—he was afforded access to the First Family that no other photographer could get. A wonderful letter demonstrating Jackie and JFK’s heartfelt appreciation for Shaw’s work.