Parties: That's your lot, Tracey
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It was an unruly mix of art and commerce as a flurry of bids rained down at the annual Lighthouse Gala, in aid of the Terrence Higgins Trust, at Christie's last Monday. Champagne glass in hand, Tracey Emin seemed determined to be the evening's unofficial compere, taking to the podium and waxing lyrical about the charismatic auctioneer Jussi Pylkkänen. "I'm making the most of standing next to one of the most attractive auctioneers not just in London, but the universe," she purred.
The mood among the well-heeled crowd was buoyant and competitive – save for a sombre-looking Jack Vettriano, who refrained from excavating his pockets, claiming there was no more room for any of the lots in his tiny flat.
No mind – among the rest of the guests, a series of fierce bidding wars broke out, and a smouldering Nancy Dell'Olio had to smile through gritted teeth as she was outbid three times. After missing out on an Emin watercolour and a Maggie Hambling acrylic, she lost again to the supermodel Yasmin Le Bon over a private recital by Jamie Walton; but after taking pity on the Italian, the cellist agreed to put bow to string for both ladies.
The evening ended as it began –with all eyes on Tracey, a wobbly Emin loudly slurring "I am sooo drunk." Although some groused over her omnipresent role, Christie's vice-chairman was quick to jump in and defend her: "The Gala is always a Tracey night – but the fact that she does this for us each year means we raise much more money, so we don't mind." With £250,000 raised, she certainly seemed to have done her "job".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments