Artist Alexandra Metcalf Gallery-Hops Her Way Through London

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As I wrote in my column last week, London seems like the place to be this month! If not for the Serpentine summer party, then certainly for some gallery shows. Among those that I’d like to go see is painter Alexandra Metcalf’s solo show “1st Edition,” which is up at the buzzy Ginny on Frederick through July 20. Let’s let the artist take us on a trip across the pond, shall we? —Annie Armstrong

Decided to drive to London from Berlin under the guise of the age-old traditional “road trip.” I grew up in London, always sentimental and a bit nerve-wracking returning home. Twelve hours later, and after a stop in Belgium, we made it to London. God save the queen!

Install begins with Freddie, my best friend and gallerist. Conducting as usual.

David Spence, an old friend from high school, makes a stop at the install. Always had a crush on him.

Gallerist that gets his hands dirty!

Finished install early, took a nostalgia stroll through Portobello, a road that saw most of my youthful indiscretions.

Had to visit my godbrother, Milo Astaire, and steal some merch from his incredible magazine Plaster. Loved checking in on one of my works in his collection, hehe.

My favorite spiral staircase at my favorite museum in London, the V&A.

Snapped some of London’s new cool kids on the gallery circuit.

New friends Ted and Anna of Brunette Colman. Wild show by Brianna Leatherbury, a mad cold room installation and wild Schrödinger’s cat sculptures.

Freddie took us all to Sessions Arts Club for dinner, as his best friend Abigail Hill is the chef. Here’s David Flaugher, my love, and Lewis Lewis Teague Wright, of Fervent Moon fame, admiring his flag artwork in the dining room. Yum.

Opening night! Here we go… Gray Wielebinski caught in action. Grateful this trip has introduced me to so many new faces.

Legend, and fellow Ginny artist, Alex Margo Arden, dressed perfectly.

Filling out, openings are so awkward, I always feel like I’m 13 and no one will come to my birthday party. Relieved to see so many new and old friends.

Sultry me. Thank you Ilenia for doing the flowers at the dinner at Ciao Bella, mwah gorgeous.

Rose Easton’s “wet paint pants”—the best dressed!

THE Jack O’Brien, right off the plane from L.A. after his show at Matthew Brown—thank you king!

Steve Smith, designer extraordinaire, who I studied with at RISD, at dinner, with new friends Felix Taylor, Rose Easton, Pablo Larios.

Stopped by to say goodbye to my favourite duo and family. Next stop the mooooooon.

Until next time, London! Bye Dad!

Mwah xoxo

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