Grenville staircase

We had a brilliant colourful day and so many potential blips but the thing that hit me most was the Chris Ofili staircase at the Tate Britain.  A tribute to the young artist Khadija Saye who died in the Grenville fire.  He’d met her the Venice Biennale so her death hit him hard.  The staircase is surrounded by frosted glass and trigger warnings but the young black security guard who directed me there said the response hadn’t been as strong as they’d been prepared for.  It certainly hit me and I hope it will grow in resonance.  

It was odd to go to the ‘Sargent and Fashion’ exhibition after that but actually it packed a punch too, obviously we’re all there for the dresses but the faces and eyes were vivid with life and there was a strong sense of Sargent himself. 

First thing in the morning we had wandered round the area, admired the white wisteria outside Christian’s Spitalfields house.  Enjoyed the stalls in the market and ate noodles and dumplings from the food stands.  I bought a lovely vintage scarf from a delightful stall holder.  

In the evening we went to a fish restaurant called The Pearly Queen to celebrate V’s birthday with Kathy L and Brian , Heidi and Steve. It was huge fun although we drove the waiting staff mad and barely tasted the food we all laughed so much.  

Walked home.  Lovely day!