In Pursuit of Happiness: The Krug Happiness Exhibition

The beautiful Lady Amanda Harlech was looking suitably cheerful at the launch of the Krug 'Happiness' exhibition which she co-curated at the Royal Academy. I was kindly invited to the event on Monday evening and gladly attended.
The concept behind the exhibition was certainly one that intrigued me. Celebrity patrons had been asked to donate something which embodies happiness to them, which is such a lovely idea. Lady Amanda Harlech donated a painting by her own hand titled Man in a Bath, capturing the simple pleasure of a relaxed moment.

Amongst the other exhibits we have a pair of Jemina Khan's children's riding boots which to her represent both the joy of childhood and one of her great loves. Also from the footwear department is one gorgeously ornate pair of stilettos by Manolo Blahnik and a donation from Rupert Sanderson. In addition to a signed design sketch of a Sanderson shoe was a battered but much loved book from The Royal Horticultural Society on daffodil species which the shoe designer uses to name his creations! A stunning Erdem dress hangs from the ceiling of one room and I thought Bella Freud's contribution was incredibly sweet. She donated a framed family photo of her parents together, prior to her birth, which is especially touching as they both sadly passed away this year within mere days of each other.



Vivienne Westwood meanwhile took the chance to highlight the campaign to save the rain forest, which is a cause I also feel passionately about. Her selection in the exhibition is beautifully presented with the poster on one side, the t-shirt on the other and in the middle acorn earrings gorgeously dangling off oak tree branches laid on  classic Vivienne Westwood tissue paper.


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All the guests were treated to delicious Krug champagne and Margareth Henriquez, President and CEO of Krug, gave a warming and enthusiastic speech on the inspiration for the exhibition and was joined by Charles Saumarez Smith of the Royal Academy.

All the pieces in the exhibition are available to purchase via silent auction with the funds raised going to the Royal Academy Schools.
The exhibition runs til Tuesday 20th December and is open 10am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-10pm Saturday.