Iain was perhaps David’s greatest love, and certainly his most significant relationship – they were together from the 1950’s until 1974, when Iain died tragically aged 39.
The painting (above) was a favourite of theirs – they’d bought it in Italy together, alert to the fact that it held an uncanny likeness to a young Iain. After his death in 1974, the painting was hung on the landing in Sussex Mews, facing David’s bedroom. He would leave his door open and, propped up on pillows, could gaze across to the ‘Portrait of a Boy with a Hoop’.
Also shown: Iain’s antiques shop in Kensington Church Street, London.
And a holiday snap…