It was a who’s who of the art world as the Royal Academy hosted its annual Summer Exhibition, this year co-ordinated by artist Ryan Gander. Beneath walls hung with works by some of the country’s most creative – including a tapestry by Grayson Perry (who was present), paintings by Philip Sutton and Tracey Emin, and sculptures by Thomas J Price and Antony Gormley – guests arrived suitably attired and primed for an evening of browsing.
Among them were Lady Amelia Windsor, the Marchioness of Bath and Tish Weinstock, alongside Lily Allen and her beau Jonah Freud, who drifted through the galleries in affectionate step, Allen swathed in feathers, Freud in an unfussy shirt.
Also on display were works by David Shrigley, including one of his characteristically deadpan, text-led drawings, alongside a figurative painting by Hurvin Anderson. Yinka Shonibare contributed one of his signature Dutch wax textile works, while Lubaina Himid showed a vividly coloured piece. Chair of the Royal Academy Trust and host of the evening Batia Ofer, in her namesake gallery, navigated the crowded rooms in vertiginous glittering heels. There was also actor Harriet Walter, immaculate in a sharp red suit, and It girl Mia Regan, who posed nearby in little green shorts. Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell, the perennial cool girl, also slipped in wearing Adidas and jeans.
Elsewhere, Lennon Gallagher gamely posed beside a fake cat (which was going for over £20,000), while Former Tatler cover stars Lady Amelia and Eliza Spencer were spotted beside a sculpture of a man lying prone (purchase unconfirmed). Socialite and photographer Tara DuRoss found herself transfixed by a print of a black cat that bore an uncanny resemblance to her own at home; between works, she caught up with Pixie Geldof to dissect the finer points of The Real Housewives. Geldof, meanwhile, was drawn to a particular painting high up on the wall, alongside fellow 2010s It girl Daisy Lowe.
Across the galleries, Brian Cox – channelling something of Logan Roy’s commanding presence – held court with journalists and artists alike, while comedian and SNL UK star Ania Magliano was all business in shirt and tie. Another rising Gen Z face in attendance was Catriona Chandler, fresh from the fields of Rutshire, where she plays Caitlin O’Hara in Rivals.
Following trays of oysters and duck pâté canapés, a select group of VIPs were ushered into the Academy’s smaller gallery spaces before a performance from rising British star Sasha Keable brought the evening to a close. All in a night’s work!