01/09/2026
Today is World Letter Writing Day, and we’re sharing a closer look at a handwritten letter from J.A Baker to his friend Sam (Donald Samuel), written on 19 September 1945. Baker describes his deep love of the Essex countryside, particularly the landscape around Danbury:
‘As you walk across these fields – Danbury stands all green and misty blue in the late afternoon of declining summer. Everchanging – sometimes assuming truly mountainous grandeur – it fascinates the eyes and brings an exaltation and a faith’
The letter in its entirety offers a fascinating glimpse into his observations on nature long before he was celebrated for his writing publicly.
You can see the original letter in full on display outside the Wells Suite, alongside other items connected to his life and legacy to celebrate the centenary of his birth.
