Nicholas Bowlby Gallery

I had an interesting if short day in London yesterday. It was mainly to visit the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea, to see work, look at galleries and recharge the batteries. Also, I must admit, to visit the gallery where my own work is on show till tomorrow night. (Nicholas Bowlby Gallery, Stand F.11, in case you get there.) Unfortunately in getting my work ready for the show I managed to break a couple of toes – carrying a large picture, I crashed inbto a table.

There’s not much you can do with damaged toes except strap ’em up so I limped round Battersea with some inappropriately summery sandals, the only footgear I could get on. Lots to see as susual – too much to take in – the usual kaleidoscopic mix. It was great to meet Gillian of Mayor’s Parlour Gallery, which recently showed (and sold) a piece of mine. She was presiding over a sparkling neon-light exhibition in the foyer.

Mayor’s Parlour Gallery at the AAF

First, however, I had the excitement of visiting a childhood friend who’s living in – but will shortly be leaving – the flat, right opposite Battersea Park, which was lived in by the painter Francis Bacon in the 1960S.

Very little has been changed in it since then, although his former studio, where we sat, has been turned into a sitting room. He had the most peaceful view over the trees you can imagine.