Whistler Walk in June

 

I'm leading a walk about James Abbot McNeil Whistler, his art, friends and enemies, around the riverside area of Chelsea for The Sohemians on Sunday 8 June meeting at 2.20pm outside Chelsea Old Church on Chelsea Embankment.

More information and ticket booking here. 

Limited places so book early. It will take 90 to 120 minutes and involve a fair amount of walking. Hope to finish at a pub for those interested.

Barry Humphries Sale at Christie's

While in London last week I popped into Christie's to see the exhibition devoted to the incredible collection of the late Barry Humphries prior to going for auction on 13 February.

See here for Christie's sale.

What a treasure trove for the decadent and symbolist enthusiast:

a small work by Fernand Khnopff, many paintings by Charles Conder, a letter from Beardsley, many signed editions of Oscar Wilde, rare books including several by Aleister Crowley (Diary of a Drug Fiend with dust jacket), Bodley Head books with sumptuous covers, first yellow 1897 edition of Dracula, as well as Dame Edna Everage dresses (including the Munch Scream dress) and glasses. 

Apparently I bought the very last catalogue (sorry). Not everything was extravagantly priced, so it might be worth bidding for some items, although I imagine they will net much more than their estimated prices.