It could be an exhilarating mix - even without the tequila: El Jimador Tequila Reposado is sitting innocently on the sideboard in the corner. The Mexican, Cornish and Irish friends of artist Phil Kelly are out to celebrate his latest exhibition at the Frederick Gallery. He and his wife Ruth Munguia are home from Mexico City for the opening. Rick Stein, the famous restaurateur and chef, is here with his wife Jill Stein and their friends from Padstow in Cornwall, chandler Johnny Walter and his wife Teri Walter.
No, the orange nude is gone, explains David Britton, co-owner of the gallery, to the woman who wants to buy it. "Oh dear, and the three Padstow ones have gone, too," she says. Rodney Rice and his wife Margo Rice are also enjoying the collection. Heads turn when an exotic-looking woman, Carmen Boullosa, arrives. The Mexican writer's novels have been translated into 18 languages, according to Bruce Swansey cultural attache at the Mexican embassy, who is a big fan.
Watching the crush of people is Betty Ballagh, whose ensemble is set off by a necklace of silver barbed-wire. It was a present from her husband, Bobby, the artist and set designer (who is currently in New York preparing for the opening of Riverdance on Thursday, March 16th), she confides.
It is rumoured that it is the birthday of Daniel Dultzin, the ambassador of Mexico, who has issued invitations to everyone for a party back at his place afterwards. Yes, it is my birthday, he nods. (We have a confirmation.) But his age is a secret - well, OK, he's 47 (but mum's the word) - and he plays the cello, and we all look forward to hearing him play later.