Daniel Vulliamy's account of the life of Paco Robles (Other lives, 28 July) has prompted Judith Martin of Winchester to highlight a lasting tribute to the work of his aunts, Poppy and Chloe. The two women, who cared for children evacuated from the Spanish civil war, are depicted in a mural at Buscot Park in Oxfordshire.
A socialist's suggestion leads to accommodation for 55 boys
Martin explains that the extraordinary 'red peer', Lord Faringdon, was told by Poppy that, as a socialist, he should not be living alone in such a big house. Following this advice, he provided a lodge and other accommodation for 55 Basque boys.
The mural, painted in the late 1930s, shows Poppy and Chloe on the left, flanking the artist himself, with Lord Faringdon at the head of the table. Behind him stands the butler, who also served as the chair of the local Labour party.
Artwork by another red peer
The murals at Buscot Park and others around the house were created by John Hastings, another red peer. The painting serves as a visual record of the humanitarian efforts during a turbulent period in European history.
Martin's letter, published in the Guardian, aims to inform readers of this commemorative artwork and the remarkable story it tells. The mural stands as a testament to the compassion shown by Poppy and Chloe Vulliamy and Lord Faringdon during the 1930s.
