SIR Roy Strong, one of the most colourful chroniclers of high society and the British arts scene, has donated his entire archive to Oxford’s Bodleian Library.

The archive consists of hundreds of letters and postcards, some from royal figures such as the Queen Mother, Prince Charles and Princess Margaret, as well as major literary figures such as Sir Cecil Beaton.

Sir Roy, a former director of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum, became almost as famous for his flamboyant dress and social life as his distinguished career in the arts.

His diaries, which will be included in the archive, caused a sensation when they were published in 1997.

Letters from such illustrious society figures as Gianni Versace, Antonia Fraser and Lady Diana Cooper will provide colourful source material for future historians and writers.

Sir Roy said: “I am glad the material has come to such a safe and accessible place.

“At 74, you can’t leave decisions like this any longer. I hope it will give people some amusement and some information.”

Bodley’s Librarian Sarah Thomas said: “Sir Roy has shown extraordinary generosity.”