Monday 19th January 2015

Still I cannot gaze on Harry Rollo’s great perf which took place before 3000 last Monday nor the function after at which Rufus Pitman announced that he was to receive an Honorary Degree the next day and that he is surely the first Poor Little Rich Gay to receive an Honorary Degree. His speech, he said, was to be about how his sister, in teenage days, used to infiltrate the student common room of that university in order to meet engineering students.

Last week, also, Eddie Sedgwick gave a show, which I must rise to as well.

Bruce McBain, my private architect, but also architect to Mapp (oh yes!) who I keep by me at all times, has been a miracle. I’ve not mentioned my LED light history: too painful. I went over to LED lights in November because Clive, the electrician, is rather nice and a big promoter of LED lights which don’t get hot like halogen (less risk of incineration) and barely consume any leccie. I was concerned beforehand about the light cast and visited several quite developed shops. They said, ‘You’ve got a choice: warm or not warm.’ So I choose warm. The ones in the kitchen I had Clive remove at once. Absolutely horrible light like a hospital. I don’t much care for the others in the hall and on the stairs. There was some idea that I’d get used to them but I haven’t.

Now at last Bruce McBain, great sourcer of rarities, has found a source of LED lights that aren’t just ‘warm’ or ‘not warm.’ It’s in Kentish Town. We’re going over soon.

He also suggested ‘Jabot’ for my bedroom, which was re-painted by Miroslav last week. It’s a Dulux off-white colour and has gone down well with the other clients, such as Mapp. I’m thrilled with Jabot, pronounced ‘JaBOT’ in the trade. As you may know, agonising over 90 or so different off-white shades is a crucial Poor Little Rich Gay past-time.

Where would I be without Bruce McBain?

Jabot by Dulux: the Perfect Off-White Recommended by Bruce McBain

Miroslav’s Present of Polish Speciality Chocolates: It is a Marshmallow Centre

The Family in Younger Days: Note the Handbag Cast Aside