[Nicolas Orloff [Nikolai Andreyevich Orlov], Russian concert pianist noted for his interpretations of Chopin.] Autograph Signature and English inscription on Christmas card to Alan Lockhart; with second Autograph Signature and note signed 'N. O.'
Orloff left Russia in 1921, and toured the world as a leading interpreter of Chopin. He settled in Grantown-on-Spey in 1948, becoming a British citizen four years later. ONE: 6.5 x 14 cm bifoliate Christmas card, with blue and black illustration ‘Designed by Kris’. Dated at head by Orloff ‘1963/64’. Beneath the printed message he writes a large signature on two lines: ‘Nicolas Orloff’. Recipient’s name written at foot, in another hand: ‘Alan Lockhart’. The verso of the second leaf of this card is laid down on the verso of the following item. TWO: 10.5 x 14 cm leaf torn from autograph album, with large bold signature in blue ink: ‘Nicolai Orloff / 1960.’ THREE: Leaf torn from same album as Item Two, with following note by Orloff in blue ink on one side: ‘Dear Aileen / with all my best wishes / N. O.’ See image.