We are very excited to share the news that John le Carré is the feature of an exhibition at the Bodleian Library, Oxford, opening on 1st October.
John le Carré: Tradecraft has been co-curated by Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite, with the support of the le Carré family, and explores the enduring legacy of the writer who shaped the modern spy novel. The exhibition draws upon John le Carré's vast archive and spans his entire life and career, from his time as a student at Lincoln College to drafts he wrote in his final weeks.
The archive and exhibition give a unique insight into le Carré's life and creative process, and features research, drafts and corrections for his novels, as well as non-fiction, adaptations and personal correspondence. Annotated manuscripts of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Constant Gardener and The Little Drummer Girl will be available to view, as well as previously unseen family photographs and letters to fans and friends. Not many people know that John le Carré was also a talented artist, and there will be some of his original sketches and watercolour paintings also on display.
Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite say of the exhibition:
'Longstanding fans of le Carré and those unfamiliar with his books will be equally excited by this original exhibition of his writing methods. Le Carré's researcher's spirit, commitment to understanding real-world problems, meticulous attention to detail and working relationships are uncovered in an engaging and colourful review of his life and career.'
And Nick Harkaway, author and son of le Carré, says:
'Oxford took my father in when he was desperate to escape his own father's malign influence, and kept his place when he couldn't afford it. The Bodleian was his refuge then and his choice for his archive now. It feels like a homecoming.'
The exhibition opens on 1st October and runs until 6th April 2026. Click here to read more from the Bodleian Library,