Sir (Philip) Christopher Ondaatje (1933-), Financier, writer, philanthropist and patron of the arts

Sitter in 3 portraits
Financier, writer, philanthropist; he is the benefactor of the National Portrait Gallery, where the new wing is named in his honour. Born in Sri Lanka, Christopher Ondaatje was educated in England and built a successful career in finance and publishing. In the early nineties he returned to writing and is now a respected book reviewer and author. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in June 2000, and awarded a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours list, June 2003.