Types and Shadows: Diaries 2004-2015

by Roy Strong

'Roy Strong's diaries are a treasure . . . magnificently readable' THE TIMES'Essential reading' TATLER'When it comes to viperish high-society gossip, Roy Strong is in a class of his own' DAILY MAILIn January 2004, where his third volume of Diaries begins, Roy Strong was in a state of deep grief following the death of his wife, Julia Trevelyan Oman, three months earlier. Yet the following years demonstrate his determination, energy and creativity. New ideas for books are brought to fruition, regular forays into the worlds of TV and radio are made, concluding with the Sir Portrait exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and news of his forthcoming appointment as a Companion of Honour for services to the nation's culture.Encounters with churchmen, politicians, royalty - and friends old and new - are all described with a telling eye for detail and delicious wit. While there is frustration at the changing world around him, Types and Shadows is a hugely informative and entertaining record of a uniquely full and colourful life.

433 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2020

About the author

Sir Roy Colin Strong FRSL is an English art historian, museum curator, writer, broadcaster and landscape designer. He has been director of both the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He was knighted in 1983.

Reviews

[Jeff Howells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third (and probably final) set of diaries from Sir Roy Strong who is still going (ahem) strong nearly 60 years after making his name as the young director of the NPG…not as waspish as his earlier volumes (with one or two notable exceptions)… the very definition of a National Treasure.