On Friday 28th November Griffin Gallery hosted the second Beautiful Banquet, a collaborative arts dinner themed around an aspect of the Winsor & Newton archive, which is housed in The Studio Building.

This banquet focussed on the paper aspects of the archive; the invitations were miniature versions of a formulation book from 1836, and at the event letters, contracts, formulation books, pricelists and original tint books from the archive were displayed so that guests could have a chance to delve into the past of Winsor & Newton and see how artist’s materials were made in the 19th century.

Thirty eight guests were in attendance which included artists, curators, gallery owners, writers, conservators, a painting tutor, and a judge for Griffin Art Prize 2014 alongside various members of ColArt staff. All of the guests were invited to bring an English-themed dish to contribute to the banquet. Guests enjoyed a range of starters from chicken liver pate to scotch eggs; this was followed by a sit down dinner of chicken pie, cottage pie, vintage cheddar quiche and honey roast ham with English mustard. The dessert was served buffet style and included Victoria sponge, a selection of English cheeses, scones with clotted cream and jam, apple crumble and strawberry tarts.

The Griffin Art Prize 2014 shortlist exhibition acted as a vibrant backdrop to the event, the show is on display at Griffin Gallery until 19th December and is open to the public Monday through to Friday.