Micro in Mayfair: Graham Short Solo Exhibition, Clarendon Gallery, London

Graham Short was the talk of London during his solo exhibition at Mayfair's Clarendon Gallery.

 

Showcasing his Writers' Collection, the Clarendon Gallery was kitted out in full microscopic regalia for collectors to view Graham's latest works, which included literary quotes engraved onto impossibly tiny everyday objects.

 

A highlight of the exhibition was Fry's Delight, a very special commission by Graham in collaboration with much-loved author, actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry, for which Graham inscribed one of Stephen's own quotes onto the fine band of a vintage fountain pen donated by Stephen himself. Graham and Stephen have very kindly donated the pen to the charity English PEN, who campaign for writers' rights, literacy and freedom of expression and who will auction Fry's Delight to raise funds.

 

English PEN patrons were in attendance for the preview evening, as were journalists including International Who's Who editor Richard Fitzwilliams and private guests from as far afield as Moscow.

 

After an introduction by Graham's manager Rod Lacey of White Space Fine Art, Graham indulged guests with a talk about his work, including anecdotes about his first job resulting in a lifelong fear of mice, bespoke stationery made for an Irish pop star and pin-up, and of course the excruciating physical extremes required of Graham to create such painstakingly accurate work on such a tiny scale.

 

Later this month Graham will be addressing students at Cambridge University, followed by a solo exhibition at Cambridge's Artique Gallery in November.