287 - Ted Kennedy Original Oil Painting and (7) Signed Letters to His Cousin Ann Gargan

Ted Kennedy Original Oil Painting and (7) Signed Letters to His Cousin Ann Gargan Original still life painting of crimson red flowers in a green pot by Ted Kennedy, accomplished in oil on 17.5 x 14 stretched artist's canvas, signed and inscribed on the left side in ink to his cousin Ann Gargan, "To Ann, Love, Ted, 1964." Framed to an overall size of 22 x 18.5. Painting was a longtime personal interest of Kennedy’s, who later described himself as an amateur artist and favored oils depicting flowers, boats, seascapes, sand dunes, and other scenes associated with Cape Cod. He recalled first taking up painting in 1954 alongside his brother John, who used art as a diversion while recovering from back surgery, and Kennedy continued the hobby throughout his life, often giving his paintings to family and friends. The 1964 date of this intimate still life is especially evocative, coming during a period when painting increasingly served Kennedy as a private creative outlet amid the personal upheavals of his early Senate career. The painting is accompanied by several pieces of correspondence from Ted Kennedy and his family to Ann Gargan, highlighted by seven letters signed by Ted. Dates range from 1964 to 1993, and content includes soliciting essays for "a short book of recollections about my father," postcards from travels to Spain and Tunisia, and a request to provide family information to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Also included are letters signed by his wife, Joan, and their young children, Kara, Edward Jr., and Patrick, mostly sending thanks for gifts. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a related vinyl record: "Address of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, August 12, 1980."