A mural of ‘Jane’, a famous strip cartoon figure in the Daily Mirror (1932-1959) is covered by the portrait of John Fagge. ‘Jane’ became a cult figure and a morale booster during World War II; Winston Churchill called her ‘Britain’s secret weapon’. The model for ‘Jane’ was Christobel Leighton-Porter (1913-2000).

 

During the war, John Fagge’s portrait, together with all the others in Wiston House, was removed to a place of safety, leaving a large, tempting blank space on the wall beneath. It is not known which member(s) of the Canadian Regiments billeted at the House and Park actually did the drawing, but ‘Jane’ is still there, a hidden icon of her time.

 

There is a photograph of the mural in the Common Room bar, this has faded over time but the original - still in the library, back hiding behind the original portrait is still vivid and full of colour.

 

Rod's family knows that his Grandfather spent time at Wiston House during the war, and although it would not have been him - he would have definately seen "Jane' and maybe was present when she was drawn...