John Irvin, legendary British director of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, dies aged 86

John Irvin is said to have ‘died peacefully at home’ last week (Picture: Getty Images)

British filmmaker John Irvin, who is best known for directing the acclaimed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, has died at the age of 86.

The three-time Bafta nominee died ‘peacefully at home’ on August 11, according to reports.

Born in London, Irvin enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades, working across documentaries, television and Hollywood films.

After studying at the London Film School, he became involved with the Free Cinema Movement before moving into documentary filmmaking.

His breakthrough came with Inheritance, a 1963 documentary short about the Algerian War of Independence, before he went on to earn a Bafta nomination for best sh...