My family and close circle of friends will know that my favourite pastimes are (in no particular order): eating out, watching Columbo and CSI and buying shoes.  So far, so vacuous.  Art has never really figured much in my life. I mean, I know what I like when I see it, but ask me to tell you the difference between a Manet and a Monet, and I’m stumped.  So I was pleasantly surprised to find myself, along with the husband and friend Jen, at Sotheby’s on a Monday evening. The occasion was a preview party  for the sale of 51 works from the collection of Lord and Lady Attenborough. The reason for my attendance – my sister works at Sotheby’s and I’m fortunate enough to receive the occasional invite.

It was everything I thought it would be – cultured, civilised, full of arty farty people and even a few slebs (Mick Hucknall, Trigger from Only Fools & Horses, David Puttnam and Peter Bowles). In all honesty I wasn’t even looking at them  - I was too busy admiring the waiting staff.  Perfectly coiffed with movie star looks, they could have been plucked straight from the set of Gosford Park. Proffering delicious canapés including mini burgers, chicken liver parfaits on toast and champagne served in coupes (coupes!), they made sure we were well fed and watered.

We spent a couple of hours wafting around, my sister acting as a guide, looking at the treasures on the walls. I learnt about First World War artists Lowry, Woods and Nevinson and admired the pictures up close and personal. Both the artistry and technique were amazing and there were a few prints I would have loved to bid on but sadly my finances are not quite up to it. The highlight of the evening came when the Attenboroughs’ son spoke about the pictures that had adorned his family home for years. You could tell he was quite emotional and whilst he was sad to see them go, he was overjoyed to be sharing them with the world. Although I can’t confess to coming away an  art aficionado, I think this could be the start of a new love affair.

Nish