Giving is good

At the glittering launch of Madelon Vriesendorp's exhibition at the AA last week, it seemed like a Class of '68 reunion.

There was certainly a warm glow between old friends – but are there tensions lurking beneath? Apparently Post-Modernist pillar Charles Jencks receives a (doubtless heartfelt) pressie from an LA family every year and, bless them, they just cannot seem to please the great man. Astragal was unsure whether it was out of disdain for the gift-giver or for the artist that Jencks decided their 'simply awful' offering this year was the perfect addition for his dear friend Maddie's collection of tat. Charming!