The art of friendship

A weekend of culture and friendship began with the Royal Academy and the Summer exhibition. Thousands of artists ( professional and amateur) submit their work every year . The eclectic mix is stimulating, heartwarming, and plain perplexing in some cases. 

       Jim Lambie's stunning,kaleidoscopic staircase

     

         Barbara Rae RA - Inlet 

I love the work of Barbara Rae RA and truly admired the hanging of the exhibition; the pink was inspired and we met a fellow visitor in pink to match. 

Not everything hit the spot for me of course, but there were some vital works including a portrait tapestry by Grayson Perry and this marvellous vibrant Vanessa Jackson painting which won the Sunny Dupree award for a Woman Artist .

    Vanessa Jackson  Homage a Henri 

Walking from the Royal Academy to Trafalgar Square, we stopped by the Christopher Wren Church, St James's , Piccadilly.  The time defying architecture , tree and sky provide another London gem .

After a dalliance for a tasty supper at 2Brydges with good friends, we were treated to the ballet at the Coliseum.  Here we enjoyed a  wonderful reworking of "Cinderella" - with a superb flutey Prokofiev score and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon.  The sky in Trafalgar Square was stunning . There is art in nature all around us. London is a stunning city.

And then to Muswell Hill , joining hundreds on the Piccadilly Line , all well behaved and hot.  And onto the W7 bus and to the welcoming home of more friends , who didn't resent a first night being treated like a hotel! 

On Saturday morning, the delights of urban walking and Alexandra Palace provided stunning London views, air, and exercise before the more sedentary though exhilarating Women's and Men's Doubles Finals watching . 

Then followed paella in the garden , Chablis and animated conversation on topics as diverse as family, garden irrigation, local democracy, ageing, care and health, pottery, travelling in France , future opportunities ........the sustaining value of family, friendship and a love of art .

    Above , views from  Alexandra Palace ; below, views of Alexandra Palace