The file contains the following correspondence and papers relating to a portrait of P D James painted by Michael Taylor:
Colour photograph, 20cm x 25 cm, of MT’s portrait of PDJ seated at a table with a bust (no date);
Correspondence with the National Portrait Gallery and Michael Taylor relating to the commissioning and painting of the portrait, 1993-96 [first proposed in 1993, it was originally suggested that Paula Rego might paint the portrait, but Michael Taylor was commissioned in 1995 and PDJ sat for 11 sessions October - December 1995; it was finished in March 1996].
Also correspondence concerning associated events and requests, including the loan to 10 Downing Street of the portrait in 1999; a television interview on the subject of the portrait in 2001; and PDJ’s own comments on the portrait, 2001, in connection with a display of portraits in Sheffield for the BP Award.