Wax on, wax off
So I've settled in and even developed a fondness for the Kilburn High Street with its scarcity of teeth and its profligacy of third-rate British chains like Poundland, Iceland and Cashino (there is a second Poundland within 200m of the first). AB likes to pretend it doesn't exist, but one can't underestimate how handy a nearby and efficiently communist leg wax.
There's talk around London on the lack of housing and a lack of affordable housing. Developers - after tending to the east around the Olympic effort are now focused on the west with the old Battersea power station redevelopment getting the green light. Housing, yes. Affordable? Unlikely. I've set Jon some pre-lunch-date reading, so he can shed light on the issue for me. He's a bit miffed about getting homework at his age, but as Editor of FTs Money Management, I'm expecting answers. In return I've offered my services as a columnist - title: 'Money Mismanagement', my recent credentials including the purchase of a purple woollen jacket (DKNY), charcoal easy coat (MMM) and a black leather midi skirt.*
But hey, today's thrifty date took me on his magical Tate members card to see the Richard Hamilton exhibition for free where we fell into rhythm with Gwendolyne Christie (the 6ft lady swordstress Brienne of Tarth from GOT) and her date Giles Deacon (British fashion designer). I was very cool about it all. SHE IS AMAZING AND GAME OF THRONES IS SHOCKING AND IT'S ALL VERY EXCITING! EXCITING YEAH!
Now, something about art. The Richard Hamilton exhibition was of the contemporary and conceptual variety. It was also very good. The same cannot be said for most of the other shows I've checked out in that genre. I've been left wondering whether artists' continued efforts to "elevate the banal and mundane" is a sign they're failing. And if so whether they should cease and desist? Just a thought. Feel free to retort. It hasn't all been high-brow. I was yelling at the TV two nights ago 'who's the lump in 21?' Arsenal 3, West Ham 1. A-Z 1, Map apps 0. Stockholm tomorrow. Saunas, little fish and Acne Studio.
*all items were purchased second-hand
From Tate Modern to Battersea power station, the Thames nears retirement as a working river.