Emma Beddington’s article amused me (Let’s hear it for the true geniuses: the people who name paints, 22 April). My late husband, the decorative painter John Sutcliffe, who died in September 2022, collaborated very closely with Farrow & Ball to help mix the first batch of colours. He also researched and created the names for which the company became so famous, starting the trend that we all know. John even had one of the colours named after him, Sutcliffe Green, No 78, which just happens to be the age he was when he died.
Gabrielle Sutcliffe
Cambridge
It’s easy to win “patriarchy chicken” (Digested week, 19 April). Without knowing it had a name, I’ve been doing it for years. When a man (or people walking three or more abreast) approaches, behaving as if they don’t see me, I just stop walking and stand still. Suddenly, I become visible and their options are to swerve or walk into me. They always swerve. Sometimes they may even think about why I stood still.
Peggy Sellers
Pickering, North Yorkshire
Caroline Lucas has been a rare beacon of hope in a bleak political landscape. It is a sad reflection on the toxicity of that environment that she has decided to give it up, and focus on death (Interview, 22 April).
Raj Parkash
London
I received an email for Christmas Lights at Blenheim on 24 January (Letters, 21 April). Is this the record?
Jean Roxburgh
Milton Keynes