Portrait of Norman Bowler

Norman Bowler was introduced to Minton in the summer of 1952. The artist had seen photographs of Bowler and had been struck by his rugged good looks, remarking to his friend Ricky Stride that he thought he would make a good model. Stride passed on this information to Norman, who, in need of money, agreed to pose for Minton. The two men became close friends. Bowler frequently accompanied Minton on his social rounds in London and they also made several trips abroad. Bowler posed for many drawings as well as two major oil paintings.