John Byrne has combined several careers - playwright, theatre designer and artist. In his most famous play, 'The Slab Boys', Byrne drew on his experience as a paint mixer in a Paisley carpet factory. During the 1980s Byrne wrote the cult television series 'Tutti Frutti', followed by 'Your Cheatin' Heart'. This enchanting portrait is one of a series taken by David Eustace to help his friend, Glasgow-based fashion designer Deryck Walker, with an advertising campaign. Eustace felt some character was needed and so persuaded Byrne to model. Byrne is shown in an unusually coloured and visually striking suit. He looks down at the ground, which draws attention to his scuffed boots and the edge of the material backdrop.