Mall Galleries, London, 7 December 2018

It was time again for Hesketh Hubbard Art Society Christmas party, and once more Esther and I were honoured with a booking to model. As in previous years, we would manifest two 30-minute poses for the first half of the evening, after which the second half would be given over to feasting, drinking, socialising and general merriment. We began seated in a gentle embrace.

Artwork by Anthony Roe.

Artwork by Anthony Roe.

Artwork by Simon Whittle.

In our second pose, Esther reclined – as was only fair for someone who had endured a long sleepless night before – whilst I sat upright alongside and leaned over her. The lure of an arty party ensured Mall Galleries was packed with more society members than I could remember seeing all year. This made for both a buoyant atmosphere and a tremendously long queue when it was feeding time.

Artwork by Anthony Roe.

Artwork by Simon Whittle.

Many of the society’s regular life models had accepted an invitation to join the revelry. I smile to think that I too could have simply enjoyed the party without having to work beforehand, but the sentimental side of me still considers this booking a privilege not to be taken for granted. I’m certain it wouldn’t have come my way were I not half of a modelling couple, but it means a lot to me nonetheless.

Esther, me, Tatiana, Dani, Simon (Hesketh Hubbard Art Society president) and Tanja.

Posing did not stop when we put our clothes back on. Our friend Tanja Hassel – this evening’s long-pose model and a very good artist in her own right – had brought along a case of her artistically crafted cushions, which were crying out for a promotional photo shoot. Several of us mustered for the task, and several more took photos of our curious spectacle. The smiles tell our story; a good time was had by all.