We represent many fine photographers here at the library and among the finest is portrait photographer Tim Mercer whose superlative portraits of late 20th century figures are a relatively recent addition to the library. Having studied at the Royal College of Art, Tim spent 20 years in London where he worked freelance for magazines such as the Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Times, Observer, Elle, and Tatler, capturing the faces of the country's cultural and social elite.

Our collection of his work spans artists and designers such as Beryl Cook, Damian Hirst and Zandra Rhodes to key members of the British aristocracy including Lord Mountbatten of Burma, Lady Diana Cooper and Deborah, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, the youngest Mitford sister who died last year. Testament to Tim's talent and reputation are his portraits of fellow photographers - Bert Hardy, a mischievous Angus McBean, and a bleakly dramatic image of Bill Brandt. Among his other sitters are Dame Judi Dench, Jenny Agutter, Beryl Bainbridge, Fay Weldon and Auberon Waugh. Dating from the 1970s to the noughties, Tim Mercer's body of work provides a compelling introduction to the movers and shakers of the late 20th century.