Dimensions
129 x 196 x 19mm
The bestselling author of 'The Long Afternoon' turns his attention to serious folly in a sparkling comedy of museum life.
It's Midsummer's Day, and BRIT (once the Museum of British History) is about to stage a splendid exhibition, 'Elegance', under the aegis of its brilliant new Director, Auberon Booth.
Centrepiece of the show will be a fine but little-known Gainsborough: his intriguing portrait of 'Lady St John As Puck'. And a gala dinner - Lobster House of Stuart, Beef Plantagenet and Berries Tudor Rose - will celebrate tomorrow's opening.
But as the day passes, tension mounts: will the temperamental chef keep his poise? Has the right mix of guests been invited? And just what is it that's so peculiar about that portrait?