Large 8vo (22 x 30 cm), pp. 14. Stiff paper wrappers. Spine split approx. 12 cm, otherwise fine. Commemorative programme for a matinee of dance in aid of the Nijinsky Foundation, staged at His Majesty's Theatre, London, on 28 May 1937. Organised by a committee chaired by The Ladies Juliet Duff and Diana Cooper, the programme featured appearances by Margot Fonteyn, Robert Helpmann, Alicia Markova, Anton Dolin and Serge Lifar, and John Gielgud reading a specially commissioned poem by Christopher Hassall. '"Vaslav Nijinsky, to whose inspiration and marvellous power the modern ballet owes so much of its success, has suffered for many years from mental trouble; and although extremely sensitive and susceptible to his surroundings, is quite unable to look after himself or earn any money. He is at present living in a Swiss nursing home, in a kind of mental twilight, with very little hope of recovery. All his savings have long ago been exhausted, and though his wife, by her devoted efforts, has hitherto succeeded in supporting him, it is impossible for her to continue to provide for him without considerable help. The object of the Nijinsky Matinee is to assist in raising a sufficient fund to provide for the proper care of Vaslav Nijinsky during his life, and subject to this, to give assistance to any other artists of the ballet who by reason of sickness or similar misfortune may be in need of help." [Nijinsky Foundation: Statement of Objects].