When I recorded this interview with the then editor of Conde Nast publications in Britains he was was plain mister. The knighthood was awarded in 2002 for services to museums, publishing and the creative industries.

Over a glittering career Sir Nicholas has received four Lifetime Achievement Awards from his peers in publishing.

He has been chairman of the V & A and the trading board of the Prince's Trust.

And he written a dozen books.

Seems odd that he found time to talk to me in a suite at the Langham Hotel!