[DIAGHILEV SERGEI]: (1872-1929) Russian ballet impresario, founder of the Ballets Russes. A small, interesting archive of original telegrams (all received copies) sent by Diaghilev to his secretary and collaborator Boris Kochno in Paris, the official folding oblong 8vo printed French telegramme messages sent from various European locations (Paris, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Munich etc.) between 1922-29 and containing some interesting references to ballets and individuals, asking that the costumes, decorations and accessories for Igor Stravinsky’s ballet Petrushka must be sent immediately (8th May 1922), instructing Kochno to telegraph Stravinsky (also 8th May 1922), sending news that a premiere had been brilliant and that their Majesties were touched and enthusiastic (8th September 1922), requesting that a second chapter be provided on the ‘ensemble festivals’ of Chabrier, Auric and Poulenc (17th December 1923), asking that Kochno locate and send photographs of various dancers including the Paris photograph of Nijinsky (23rd December 1923), declaring that The Three-Cornered Hat had been an enormous success and that the theatre was full (Barcelona, 20th April 1924), stating that he will leave with Picasso on Thursday (Monte Carlo, 7th April 1925), asking Kochno to consult a doctor immediately and reporting that the general opinion is that Sacha Guitry’s illness and operation is not serious (9th August 1926) etc. Some overall age wear, minor tears and light staining, G to about VG, 12

Boris Kochno (1904-1990) Russian poet, dancer and librettist who became Diaghilev’s secretary in 1920, and was eventually his main collaborator. The two men were also lovers for a brief period.