I know this is neither a wonderful shot or a great portrayal of Mrs Rumpole, but for whatever reason I’ve got a bit of “artistic block”…..perhaps it’s because two of my hero artists have died this weekend.

Sorry to anyone outside of the UK who probably won’t have a clue who I mean by this but Tony Hart has died. The gifted, gentle face of art for children. Vision On has to be one of my favourite TV shows as a child. I can still remember the way the text in the credits used to be turned through 90 degrees and mirrored to make an animal, although I can’t remember what now. Tony inspired many hundreds of thousands of British kids I reckon throughout his career.

So too has John Mortimer, the great writer and barrister. I think I’ve read most of his work, certainly all of the Rumpole books, along with many more of his pearls of wisdom. I loved the grumpy old sod (Rumpole of course) who stood up for the little man and the right to a defence for all, no matter what they’ve done. TV’s Rumpole, played by Leo McKern, despite the slightly faded look, still looks great today to me.

I do think that Hilda Rumpole would probably not consider herself first and foremost the sort of woman to take a cooking implement to a foe, but “she who must be obeyed” certainly ruled Rumpole with a rod of iron so she’s getting accredited with it even though she’d probably (dressed in a twinset and pearls) use a voice that could cut crystal and a hard stare to get Rumpole to acquiesce.

I’m also deeply grateful to John Mortimer for his defence of civil liberties and freedom of speech. I think he leaves a legacy of which we should all feel proud.

So, perhaps tonight, DM and I will drop our no alcohol rule and lift a glass of Chateau Thames Embankment to two men who have brought us great pleasure.