This portrait was based on black and white photographs I took of John le Carré (David Cornwell) in the late '60s. I thought he might be interested to see it, so I sent him an A4 print. He sent me an interesting reply. "I have to tell you that I simply do not take an interest in my own image these days, and least of all its decline. I feel therefore unable, alas, to entertain the idea of living with a portrait of myself, however fine. Thank you for sending the print to me, which I feel I should return to you."