Wine merchants writing about art….. luckily not. However the opening of the Saatchi Gallery does deserve a special mention and not only because Domaine Begude Cuvée Special was the wine served on the opening night. The reaction of the art world was mixed about the exhibition but there was unanimity about the venue.
Oil on Canvas 210 x 300 cm
Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London
© Feng Zhengjie, 2008
Charles Saatchi, Nigel Hurst and the Cadogan Estate have had the vision to convert the Duke of York Barracks, which had become a rabbit warren of offices, into one of the finest galleries in the UK. It is a fantastic and inspirational space. It has been a long and tortuous development but hugely worthwhile. Undoubtedly it will be the most sought after venue for drinks, fashion shows, dinners, parties etc for the rest of 2008, 2009 and onwards.
It was an excellent opening party organised by Jules Stevenson of GSP attended by the great and the good of the art world plus a few hangers on. Rhubarb produced fantastic food and the champagne was provided by Veuve Cliquot. The two figures prostrate on the floor were works of art not guests suffering from a surfeit of Begude or the delicious champagne.
I have to declare our interest as we are sponsors of the gallery and will be holding several events there a year. The first event is our Rhône En Primeur tasting on the 18th November. It will give the growers a superb space to show off their wines and for once there will be enough room. The wines will be great and it will give you a chance to see the present exhibition. If you would like tickets please contact Clara Joy.