The pencil sketch of the philosopher C.E.M. Joad (1891-1953) is one of eight loose sketches contained in a folder, of which seven date from the Second World War. Only one item is signed:  a watercolour of Westmoreland Terrace following the bombing of 5 July 1944. This is signed Ronald Fuller and is dated 1945. Whether Ronald Fuller was the artist responsible for the other sketches is difficult to say. His name appears in the folder with an address of Lansdowne Road London, but we have not been able to find out anything about him and his work as an artist.

The six pencil sketches include five portraits ranging in date from 29 January 1941 until 22 April 1942.  Two of the sketches, those of Mrs Jannie Warren and Mr Temple, refer to the Hungerford Club. This was an air-raid shelter for rough sleepers, those with mental health issues and alcholism, and others who were not made welcome in the main shelters, and was set up by Bernard Nicholls, a conscientious objector. Arches under Charing Cross Station were converted into a shelter with a capacity of 200, 3 tiered bunks, a canteen, a medical first-aid post, baths and lavatories. It was one of the most ‘exclusive’ clubs in London – you couldn’t get in without a special pass from the City of Westminster’s shelter service.