We are very excited to share the news that the Bodleian Library in Oxford is launching its John le Carré: TRADECRAFT exhibition from 1st October 2025.
Modelled on the highly successful Tolkien exhibition, 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.
TRADECRAFT affords 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. Le Carré's original creative ambition was to be an artist rather than a writer, and the curators have secured some of his original sketches and watercolour paintings.
Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite said:
'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.'
Nick Harkaway, author of Karla's Choice and son of le Carré, said:
'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,