Roger Folley 1944 Pen, ink and wash on paper 37 x 57cm (14½ x 22in) Signed ' ED 44 ' Private collection
It's a wonderful moment when something of Evelyn's turns up out of the blue, something in good condition and of impeccable provenance, something previously unknown and undocumented. And (though I shouldn't say so) flattering to my vanity, because there can't be too many people in a position to recognise it and to give it a bit of a back story. Evelyn's subject is Roger Folley: to give him his full style and title, Flight Lieutenant RRW Folley, RAF, BSc., BCom. They had been married for two years when she made this unusual and distinguished pen, ink and wash portrait of him.
In 1944 Roger Folley was serving in 488 (NZ) Squadron as a navigator. (488 Sqn. was made up mainly of New Zealanders, with some British - hence Roger Folley - and Dutch members.) Here he is, slightly to the right of centre, with his colleagues in an off-duty moment. The man standing on the right is Roger's pilot, Squadron Leader Ron Watts, in civil life a New Zealand sheep farmer:
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To the best of my knowledge Evelyn's portrait is unique. I know of no other serious portrait in pen, ink and wash. She has shown Roger here wearing his sheepskin flying jacket and carrying a rather curious walking stick, one with a hooked hand grip. It is as he might have looked when walking in the North Country hills, which he loved and brought Evelyn, hitherto unfamiliar with the Yorkshire and Cumbrian hills and fells, to love as well.
It's probable that this is the first serious portrait Evelyn made of Roger. I regret that it wasn't available at the time I was analysing Evelyn's portraits of Roger, because it compares well with, say, The Cerebrant in showing him as an introspective, deep-thinking man. I wonder if she made it as a present, perhaps for Roger's parents, Eb - for Ebenezer - and Sarah Folley? Maybe this thesis, that it was intended as a present, is supported by instructions she wrote in the top margin, as though for a framer. It never was mounted, however, nor do I think it was ever presented. Perhaps on reflection Evelyn thought it was too dark, too sombre a representation of a man who, although often quietly reflective, nevertheless loved life with a cheerful and energetic affection.
Text ©Christopher Campbell-Howes 2022
by Christopher Campbell-Howes
is available to order online from:
448 pages, 301 illustrations. RRP £30
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