For two years, Barbara Glenn was actor James Dean’s on-again, off-again girlfriend. They corresponded through the period of his early success, writing about their volatile relationship as well as his blossoming career, and emotional ups and downs. Never before offered for sale, the handwritten letters will be sold at Christie’s on November 23 as part of their Popular Culture auction in London.
Barbara Glenn’s son, filmmaker Keith Gordon, is consigning the letters–each estimated at $4700-$6300– along with a selection of family photographs featuring the two young lovers. The James Dean who’s revealed in them is protective and caring, sometimes critical, at other times teasing, often lonely and insecure. This year marks the 80tth since his birth.
Read more at Christie’s.
