I write regarding your piece on architects in film, (28 January, page 34). It was entertaining but, being limited only to American architects, remained firmly in fantasyland

There is a better example, much nearer home. In his masterpiece the Forsyte Saga, Galsworthy created the brooding, bullying architect Philip Bosinney to design Soames’ dream house.

He insisted that his client build what he didn’t want, grossly exceeded his client’s budget without authority and demanded more fees. Soames, in return, withheld fees, bankrupting Bosinney and ultimately causing his suicide. Ring any bells?

I know that this story is spoiled a bit by the architect having stolen his client’s wife, but it’s at least as credible as some of the antics recreated in the article.

Malcolm Taylor, Lancaster

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