In Conversation: behind the portrait

An edited excerpt from the conversation between Caroline de Peyrecave and Daryl Fielding, recorded during the portrait’s unveiling at the Private View.

Daryl: Thank you, that’s lovely. I think it looks like me. I’ve got that sort of twinkle, a bit of a vibe.

Caroline: You’ve definitely got the vibe, Daryl. And definitely a twinkle.

Daryl: Oh wow. Oh yes, must not be big, that’s got lots of layers. Ok to be bright. Got the hands. It’s amazing. Smile more. Yes, I was once told that, I was too headmistressy. It’s always “you’re not enough”, “you’re too much”, just be good. “Be a good girl”. “You’re terrifying”.

Caroline: Wow, who tells you that?

Daryl: Well, you know all my career people tell me I’m terrifying. And I’m like really, why? I think being 6 ft 1 is definitely part of it. Being clever, quite opinionated. Willing to say what you think. And somehow that’s terrifying. But as I got more successful, I realised I could use this power for good. I said to me team – would you like me to go loom? Shall I use the power for good? I gradually came to terms with it.

Caroline: But you see all of those things I like about you. I like when a woman is straight and honest, and tells me how it is. It’s just so refreshing.

Daryl: Yes, why is it that some people find that so awkward sometimes. I really don’t understand.

Caroline: Probably their own fears and behaviours of the little girl inside of them.

Daryl: Yes, we’ve spoken a lot about Dove. And their recent work has been on all the things we say about little girls all the time. Oh you look so pretty, you look so pretty. And then they grow up just thinking that’s all they have to be. Instead of complimenting them on being strong, brave, interesting, and fun.

Caroline: Yes, I struggle with my girls to think of those words. My mother grew up telling me to smile. So I’ve really got to train my brain to find the right words.

Daryl: I do think what you’ve captured brilliantly is that I do have this enormous sense of mischief, and it’s helped me and hindered me in equal measure. Sometimes when I’ve done something or said the thing in a meeting, and everyone’s cross (half of the time it’s what everyone’s thinking). And I think oh gosh, I’ve done it again, everyone’s upset. But sometimes I do it because it’s a bit mischievous, and that can lighten the mood. Sometimes being a little bit more fun relaxes everybody and they start contributing more. So I’ve learnt to use it more strategically.

Caroline: Well, keep saying it. That’s what we love about you.