“It’s divine my dear! The latest exhibition of modern art at the Tate. You simply must go Hortense!”

 

The queue grows, the cognoscenti flock like chattering starlings.

 

“ Such talent!”

 

“Absolutely stunning!”

 

 “ Who is he?”

 

“ We simply must have one for the drawing room, darling!”

 

Behind the screens a chimpanzee, unperturbed by the furore explors a nostril with a paint-covered fingertip.