A few months ago I was Artist in Residence at a charity gala. The same people very kindly invited me to the Imperial Winter Ball in Belgravia, an event to raise money for the Children’s Burns Trust. So once again, I turned up with my sketchbook and got to work.
The dress code was black tie or Tsarist Russia. There were splendid costumes of military uniforms and ball gowns, tiaras, white gloves and shining buttons. There were auction prizes and other things to buy, all in aid of the charity.
We had an excellent dinner followed by the main auction, presided over by auctioneer Edward Rising.
Then there was dancing until late, with a dance-master guiding everyone through the waltzes and steps. Everyone seemed to be having a tremendous amount of fun, as I scribbled away as fast as I could.
It was a tremendous evening, and I was lucky to have been a part of it.
A reminder that I can be hired for events (I specialise in weddings), and I do other commissions too. Drop me a message if you want the Imperial Winter Ball treatment!
