Antique Imperial Russian Signed Letter Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia 1939

Siocha" was the nickname for Ferdinand Thormeyer, a former tutor and a lifelong friend of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia, the youngest sister of Tsar Nicholas II.

Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna maintained a long correspondence with Thormeyer, especially after she went into exile following the Russian Revolution. Her letters to him, often written in French, discussed her daily life and activities, such as going to the cinema or walking in the morning. The correspondence highlights their close and enduring friendship.

In the letter she writes:

17 June 1939

My dear Siocha

Oh, what a disappointment! Yes, what a disappointment indeed. After so many years of friendship, we were hoping so much to see each other again, to talk and laugh together… But as you say, “let’s do everything in the hands of God, who does everything for the best — our best.”

But still, what a shame, isn’t it?

I was very touched by your letter, very sad too. You would have had such a special and beautiful time with us, without having to tire yourself, nor get upset about anything.

Yesterday, I accompanied my husband (he was doing his duty as mayor) to a funeral. It was quite moving. I read your letter in the evening, on my birthday. Our friends — the Morins, the Kleunenbergs, the Genfroux — came for coffee in the afternoon. Then my dear Alfred, at 7 in the morning, brought me breakfast in bed with flowers. He hasn’t been very well for two weeks, poor man, with a toothache! In the evening, our friends gave us a “week-end.”

They gave me 6 charming roses — pink and red — which I placed on the balcony. Now I have our dear little red carnations blooming in masses! Also hydrangeas, bouquets of roses, aquilegias, etc. (and chocolates!). I received 10 pots of a little blue-violet flower called Saintpaulia. Do you know it? It blooms well in houses; it’s very pretty — it looks a bit like violets, but much larger.

The olive trees have flowered well, and I love them so much! Finally, I sent 93 paintings (drawings) for the exhibition, but I am not sure they will all be shown. It starts on June 24.

Tomorrow I’ll pick 3 strawberries in the morning; I already picked 3 this morning. They’re so delicious for your table, with cream.

And so, my dear friend, I talk too much! I can see you smiling.

This morning it rained — it hasn’t stopped raining for days. Tomorrow is Sunday; I’ll go see the inside of the church at Baillargues — I have to take photos of the old frescoes on the ceilings.

So my dear friend, may God be with you, and may He bless you and keep you in His peace.

With all my loving thoughts and affection,

Olga