Portrait of Barrie by Peter Scott

[stourhead]

Did Peter Scott, Barrie's godson (and son of Scott of the Antarctic) paint a portrait of Barrie and, if so, does anyone know where it is, can one see it? 

[Robert Greenham]

The answer is 'Yes'. It is a painting of Barrie sitting on his settle in his ingle-nook. A small-sized monochrome copy can be found in Andrew's book (Page 276 of the 2003 YUP edition).

[stourhead]

Thank you Robert.  Do you know if the painting is on display anywhere?  I checked the National Portrait's Gallery website but it isn't there.

[Robert Greenham]

Sorry, no. Perhaps Andrew knows?

[andrew]

Sorry, no. Perhaps Andrew knows?

I fear not... I was given the photo by Peter Scott back in 1976. If you're really interested, perhaps a line to his half-brother, Lord Kennet, might yield an answer... He lives in Leinster Corner, Barrie's old house - 100 Bayswater Road should find him.

[Robert Greenham]

I think Lord Kennet died a few weeks ago, but his widow is probably still there.

[stourhead]

Thanks Andrew and Robert.  I will follow post here if I get any useful information.

[Robert Greenham]

Lord Kennet (the second Baron Kennet, better known as Wayland Young) died on May 7, 2009.

[andrew]

Thanks, Robert - I never would have known. He was a delightful man, and welcomed me - and various film crews - on many occasions into that magical, time-warped house overlooking Kenisngton Gardens, where Barrie had written "Peter Pan". His mother Kathleen had been married to Captain R F Scott (of the Antarctic) who wrote that wonderful last letter to Barrie as he lay dying in his frozen tent, so in many ways was a last link to JMB. The Times obituary seems particularly apt:

Urbane in manner, witty in speech, and everyone’s conception of a truly civilised person, he possessed to a high degree the gift of making and keeping friends. He lived throughout his life in a large house in Bayswater Road, where J. M. Barrie — a friend of his mother — had written Peter Pan. The house was a much-loved home for Young’s large family and the venue of many enjoyable parties, and he rejected repeated offers for the site from developers.

I do so hope that his wife Elizabeth - a very remarkable woman and anthropologist - can keep all such developers at bay for many years to come.

[stourhead]

Is Lord Kennet the man Elizabeth Jane Howard had the affair with while she was married to Peter Scott?  I know it was Scott's half-brother, and I seem to remember he was quite young, I don't think he was married yet. Perhaps, there was another half-brother.

[Robert Greenham]

Don't quote me on this, but 'Yes', I have read that.  I don't know of another half brother.