Charlie Mortimer has been insulted by everyone from his dad to the Telegraph editor – and loves it
I was recently surprised to receive a mildly abusive email from X, an artist friend (possibly now an ex-friend). He said, ‘You are more transparent than you imagine and more readable than you believe.’ It was bad luck for X that a lifetime of receiving highly articulate put-downs has made me almost immune to uncomplimentary observations. I take them as accolades. I took huge pleasure in responding: Dear X There is a certain irony that, in my 74th year, I am still receiving letters commenting on my character, or lack of it. So forgive me when I say that your email yesterday made me laugh out loud – in particular your attempts to question what little integrity I still possess. I am so used to criticism and articulate put-downs that I keep note of some of the more memorable examples. My classical tutor at Eton, when I was 14, wrote...
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