The Nat Gall has an exhibition called Monochrome: Painting in Black and White. It’s on until February 18th but I doubt I will see it. Here’s why.
Well, first let’s give the Nat Gall a chance to put their case:
Monochrome is the first major exhibition to explore the history of painting in black and white from the 12th to the 21st centuries. It takes a radical new look at what happens when artists cast aside the colour spectrum and identifies watershed moments in the history of the genre.
Why include black? This is not a racist question but simply that an exhibition of pictures only in white, especially in winter, would be arresting.
May I digress briefly? There has been a recent addition to the staff at Number 56. Teddy (House Manager) and Robert (Head of Legal and IT) remain in post. Homan has been appointed Keeper of the Collection, a position formerly held by me. I am retaining my other posts: butler, chef, head gardener, finance director, chauffeur, sommelier …
Homan brings considerable expertise and has already made his mark albeit he has, like a Labour chancellor, blown the budget for a decade. So, because of budgetary constraints, this year’s Christmas exhibition as been scaled back and our All in White exbition only has this watercolour by Lucy Willis of a white ramekin dish on a white background.
It’s a wonderful exhibition which I have seen twice & on the strength of the first visit I signed up to be a Friend if the Nat Gall. Friends who accompanied me were similarly enthusiastic