A cotton tea towel showcasing a page from John le Carré’s first handwritten draft of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy describing George Smiley. Detail taken from MS. le Carre 18b folder 1, fol 1r.

Tradecraft is an exhibition which draws upon the vast archive of John le Carré, otherwise known as David Cornwell. Held at the Bodleian Libraries, this material – much of which is displayed for the first time – spans Cornwell’s entire life and career, from his time as a student at Lincoln College, Oxford, to drafts penned in his final weeks.

Runs 1 October 2025 – 6 April 2026

Made in UK with the kind permission of John le Carré Ltd.
©️ John le Carré Ltd 1974
John le Carré and George Smiley are registered trademarks owned by John le Carré Limited.