Brownwell, Gladys M: Collection of papers by Edith and Osbert Sitwell

Edith (Louisa) Sitwell was born in 1887 at Scarborough. Her father was Sir George Reresby Sitwell and her mother was Lady Ida Emily Augusta Denison. Her governess introduced her to the enjoyment of art and in 1914 they rented an apartment together in London. Sitwell published her first poems in 1913. She received many honorary degrees and became a Companion of Literature in 1963. Her most famous book is a poem cycle entitled "Facade", written in collaboration with William Walton. Edith Sitwell died on December 9, 1964 in London. (Francis) Osbert (Sacherverell) Sitwell was born in London 5 years after his sister Edith. He attended Eton from 1900-09 and obtained a commission in the Army in 1912. In 1916 he published his first poems, and in 1919 he left the Army and moved to London. Between World War I and World War II he wrote three satires. His autobiography, "Left Hand, Right Hand", is considered to be his finest work. He died on May 4, 1969 in Montegufoni, Italy.