Garrett Centre, London, 18 October 2023

If ever there was an evening for getting indoors and undressed, this was it. While last Wednesday saw a drizzle of rain before life modelling, this Wednesday had a deluge. My umbrella offered scant protection from wind-whipped volleys. By the time I arrived at the Garrett Centre for Adrian Dutton’s group, much of me was drenched.

Once again I was impressed by the artists whose commitment motivates them to join us whatever the weather, even when Zoom is offered as an alternative. More than 20 made the effort, occupying seats set out as a square, with a couple more standing by easels. We began: a 15-minute pose, five of 1 minute, then 5 minutes, 10 minutes.

Next I was asked for a 20-minute pose that would take us up to the interval. Knowing Adrian would be preparing hot dhal, snacks and tea as a half-time treat for everyone, and that it’s not unknown for his kitchen toils to result in the pose time over-running, I opted to lay down. Wisely as it turned out; a halt was called after 33 minutes.

The dhal was a delicious dish for which it was well worth tarrying a little longer on the floor. After an ample break we finished with poses of 10 minutes and 20 minutes: first standing, then sitting on the floor. Back in my still-damp clothes, I took time to admire the inspired artworks… in no hurry to navigate home ‘twixt puddles and darkness.