Nelson Mandela Autograph Letter Signed.

MANDELA, Nelson.

Item Number: 100160

Exeptionally rare autograph letter signed and entirely in the hand of Nelson Mandela; written less than six months before his release from imprisonment. One page on legal ruled stationary the letter contains the return address: “1335/88 Nelson Mandela, Victor Verster Prison, Paarl, South Africa, 21 8 89” and reads in full, “Dear Mr. Lennard, I thank you for you letter of 10 April 1989 which reached me on 7 July. I regard it as a singular honour to be invited to become one of the patrons of the Wilberforce Council, an invitation I readily accept. I will be more than happy to wear the Council’s coveted tie. My only regret is that my current circumstances will not allow me to play an active role in the affairs of the Council. Human rights is still one of the world’s burning issues of the day, and the work and achievements of Sir Wilberforce is as relevant now as it was in his time. Please accept my best wishes. Sincerely, Nelson Mandela.” Mandela served 27 years in prison, split between Robben Island, Pollsmoor Prison, and Victor Verster Prison. He spent the final 14 months of his imprisonment at Victor Verster until the historic day of his release on February 11th 1990 which gained the prison worldwide publicity. The letter references the Wilberforce Council, founded in honor of British politician English humanitarian reformer William Wilberforce, a historically significant supporter of the campaign for the complete abolition of slavery which led to the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. In fine condition. Double matted and framed with the original Registered transmittal envelope addressed to Jack Lennard in Mandela’s hand and a portrait of Mandela. The entire piece measures 27 inches by 14.5 inches. Exceptionally rare and desirable. Letters from Mandela during his imprisonment at Victor Verster Prison are scarce, with only one other example having previously appeared at auction.

South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, Nelson Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as President of the African National Congress party from 1991 to 1997. Widely regarded as an icon of democracy and social justice, he received more than 250 honors—including the Nobel Peace Prize—and became the subject of a cult of personality. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation".