Anthony Devas, A.R.A. (1911-1958)

Laurie Lee met Anthony Devas and his wife Nicolette in the summer of 1944; they were then living in Markham Square, Chelsea, and Lee asked on several occasions if he could become their lodger. After a short period, Lee moved into the studio on the top floor, and the painter and writer swiftly became firm friends. At Markham Square, Devas painted several portraits of Lee (one of which is exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, London, NPG L197). In 1945 the Devas family moved to Carlyle Square, where Lee stayed until his marriage to Kathy Polge in 1950, and where this portrait was painted.