Royal Academy: The Young Patrons Annual Drinks Party

Last week I attended the Royal Academy’s Young Patron’s Annual Drinks.  The Young Patrons is a group of like-minded 20-40 year old budding philanthropists who want a light introduction into the vibrant art world of the RA in a relaxed social atmosphere. 

Whilst enjoying specially formulated cocktails by Sipsmith (who make THE prettiest bottles) and delicious wobbly delights by jellymongers Bompas & Parr,  I tottered about on my towering paws (above) catching  up with friends and enjoying octogenarian pioneering architect Richard Rogers’ ‘Inside Out’ exhibition before it closed. 

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Henry Emson and artist Bella Malim, RA Patron's Manager Emily Koch and husband David Koch, Jamie Lauder with David Koch and David Grievson. 

'Manet: Portraying Life' at the Royal Academy

I recently went to see the Manet exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts… alongside most of London it seemed!  In what was the most overcrowded of shows I’ve been to in a long time (advance bookings were among the highest in the academy's recent history) I saw more that sixty of Édouard Manet's portraits.  Unfortunately, the quality of the work exhibited, much of which was not shown during the artist’s lifetime, was desperately uneven (several were even unfinished) and I found myself searching for the more well known of Manet’s paintings, omitted from this show.  However, as well as learning a lot about the artist’s life, there were some obviously excellent pieces to admire, especially those of Manet’s sister-in-law Berthe Morisot (above) and that of the Monet family in their tranquil garden at Argenteuil (below).

The show closes this Sunday but there are extended opening hours this weekend until midnight.  Tickets RRP. £15.00 available Here.