Elton’s pics

I realised when I was in the V&A last week that I’d miss the Elton John photo exhibition, Fragile Beauty, if I didn’t go in to see it this week.   So i took myself up there for it.  Like a lady on gardening leave can do.  Photography exhibitions, are very different from paintings in that the image only strikes you once but sometimes that power is instant and a lightning strike.  Many familiar pictures that didn’t repay re looking but overall it’s an impressive collection.  For me the highlights were some of the reportage of America, a set of Richard Avedon’s pics of the Fab Four, Robert Mapplethorpe’s wonderful flower photos, Sam Taylor-Johnson’s crying men (crying celebrities really) and this, the Nan Goldin room which came with all sorts of trigger warnings.  I think Nan Goldin astonishing as much for her narrative, the use she makes of her life but also her aesthetic.  She never ceases to pack a punch. 
Lunch in the member’s room was nice and then I had to go into the centre of town to take a call from my agent so I holed up in Leon and got that done.  
Did some Christmas shopping and then met Katie and Sarah for dinner at the Ivy Club.  Very jolly but caught a late train home. 

Perfect gardening leave day