Daly enrolled at the Royal College of Art in 1937. The painter John Ward recalled that they studied together under ‘Professor Gilbert Spencer, the brother of the great Stanley… [Jehan] drew constantly… He would only work at his own pace. He has sought neither honours nor wealth...’ In 1939, Daly enlisted in the Royal Engineers, and after the war returned as a student to the Royal College. For many years, Daly supported himself as a teacher in art schools. In 1965, Daly wrote to Borchard: ‘I hope this little painting will interest you, it was painted... before the problems and frustrations of art made me grow bald.’ Aloof refinement and relaxed dedication characterises the 1950 self portrait. His visible eye is not prominently shown, partly occluded too by his glasses and the pipe perhaps serves as a defensive prop.