Despite what seems like a series of interminable lockdowns, petrol shortages, and labor snafus, London’s social set is back on the scene. This week, Frieze brought the international art crowd back to Regent’s Park, and if the bustling scene at the Wolseley and bumper-to-bumper Rolls-Royce situation outside of Claridge’s are any indication, this year’s edition was livelier than ever.
The buzz was in full effect on Thursday morning, when Air Mail hosted a gathering at Shreeji, the newsagent and gallery space located at 6 Chiltern Street, to celebrate Tracey Emin. The artist’s latest exhibition of miniature sculptures and works on paper, “The News Is I Love You,” is on view there through Sunday.
Emin held court on a front bench, where a steady stream of well-wishers waited in line to procure her signature on their books and catalogues. Meanwhile, guests including Suzy Menkes, Ed Vaizey, The Rake’s Tom Chamberlin, and many more dropped by to get caffeinated and socialize. Daisy Knatchbull, the only tailor on Savile Row who caters exclusively to women, added a bit of pop, arriving in one of the new shirts she has designed for Turnbull & Asser.
“The News Is I Love You” is one of the first exhibitions to open at Shreeji since it was reimagined in 2020 as part of a partnership between Gabriel Chipperfield, Laura de Gunzburg, and Air Mail. A fixture on Chiltern Street since its founding in 1982, Shreeji was initially known for founder Sandeep Garg’s smart assortment of international newspapers and magazines. These days, it’s become a stomping ground for Marylebone’s art-and-design set. Coffee is served daily from nine to five, although—fair warning—there may be a bit of a wait.
Ashley Baker is the Style Editor for Air Mail