Clemence Dane is the pen name of Winifred Ashton, a larger than life character who was the inspiration for Madame Arcadi in Blithe Spirit [played by Margaret Rutherford in David Lean's 1945 film version of the play]. She is described fondly by Graham Payn in his biography of Coward as...a playwright, painter, sculptor and dropper of verbal bricks. Coward said of her home in Tavistock Street, London, scene of numerous literary and theatrical gatherings....If its walls had ears, I can only hope that they had the sense to plug them with cotton-wool many years ago. Coward not only admired her as a writer, he would often seek her opinion on his work, but also as... a brilliant sculptress and painter. Clemence Dane's bronze bust of Sir Noël can be seen in the National Portrait Gallery. Copies of the bust can also be seen at the Queen's Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue and at Coward's home in Switzerland.