Edward James
Sir: There used to be a Nanny-expression, `I speak as I find', and it came to mind in reading Lord Lambton's cruel description of Edward James (Arts, 14 June). There are still friends alive to give a kinder impression, but as one who met Edward James accidentally and for only one even- ing I simply don't recognise the portrait in the Spectator. I was at my own request making an inventory, which took three days, of the magnificent Nurnberg house at West Dean. Mr James, who had unex- pectedly flown in from Mexico, sat at the same table: we were involved in conversa- tion all that evening and I have seldom been more entertained, delighted and amused. The man, whom I remember as large, overweight and badly dressed, had a personal impact quite indescribable (a bon- fire, a double-bass, a very large bear?) and one I shall never forget and which I shall always be grateful to have experienced.
Vivien Greene
Grove House, 44 Iffley Turn, Oxford
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