ABSTRACT
AN entry in my diary for Thursday, 8 March, 1979, reads: 'Visit Chephren's pyramid, 11.0.' Like the majority of such entries, it was intended to remind me of something which I had to do. My reason for going to the pyramid was that I needed to check a feature in the burial-chamber for an article I was writing, l but, since the pyramid was closed, it had been necessary to obtain permission to enter it from the Chief Inspector of the Giza Necropolis, Dr Zahi Hawass, whose representative was to accompany me. On my arrival at the pyramid, whom should I see standing at the entrance but Cyril Aldred, wearing a sun-hat and carrying a cane. Around him was a small group of eager listeners. I did not know he was in Egypt, and I have a vivid recollection of the pleasure that seeing him there gave me. That pleasure is renewed whenever my eye happens to fallon the entry in the diary. As one of Cyril's oldest Egyptological friends, I have many other happy memories of my association with him, sometimes on social occasions, at other times when seeking his opinion on problems of a sculpture or his advice on matters of horticulture. He was always most generous in giving me the benefit of his expertise, and I have been indebted to him for presenting me with photographs of a professional quality which he had taken in Egypt, particularly a set showing many aspects of the pyramid of Meidum - a gift which has influenced me in my choice of subject for this volume.
