Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl (1916-1990), Writer.

This portrait shows Dahl as a young RAF pilot during the Second World War. It resulted after Dahl saw Smith's work in a London gallery and tracked the artist to his lodgings. Arriving in RAF uniform, he made a powerful impression. The work was was painted in two or three sittings, during which Smith worked with 'frenzied activity'.

Smith was grieving for his two sons who had recently lost their lives while serving in the RAF. The artist and writer became lifelong friends.