Gerald Mackenzie Leet (1913-1998) was a well-known painter and art teacher. He was born in London and studied art at Goldsmiths’ School of Art 1929-34, at RA Schools 1934-37 and then at the Courtauld Institute. During that time he shared a studio with Carel Weight. Leet spent time in South Africa and Egypt during World War II and was appointed an Official War Artist, resident in New Delhi in 1945-46. In 1948 he was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) to undertake portrait drawings of well-known public figures.  He became friendly with fellow artist Denton Welch, and painted him. Lett had solo shows at Eton Art Gallery and Isobar Gallery and one of his paintings is in the collection of Eton College. At the end of his life he settled in Brighton, where he died.