Britten, Benjamin. (1913–76) & Pears, Peter. (1910–1986) Autograph SignaturesAutograph signatures from the influential English composer and the tenor on a 4 x 2. 5 inch (10. 2 x 6. 4 cm.) card. Very fine. "Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears were together from 1939 until Brittens death in 1976. Yet during Brittens lifetime, neither spoke publicly about their relationship or sexuality. In some ways, this is hardly surprising given that homosexuality was illegal until it was partially decriminalised in 1967. Yet even after that