KETTNERS DEUXIEME GRANDE FETE DES ARTISTES When artists eat Free

On Tuesday 17th November, Kettners, that house of aristocratic indulgences of all kinds, once more threw open its doors to artists and performers for a second grand celebration of creativity and courage!

A magestic evening in the tradition of la vie de boheme saw artists and performers carousing and paying their bills by performing short, live "turns" for their fellow artists and diners.

House guests experienced a night of pure cabaret including poetry, comedy, erotica, Russian gypsy songs, harmonica recitations, magic, singing, dancing, lavish costumes, tears and laughter.

In the great tradition of the Montparnasse terraces, the Deuxieme Grande Fete also included readings from the erotic letters of Anais Nin to Henry Miller.

Kettners is one of Sohos best loved establishments, founded by Auguste Kettner, chef to Napoleon III, and at the centre of a new Soho rennaissance.

Kettners first Grand Fete took place on 13th October, when Kettners threw open its doors to artists for a grand celebration of creativity and courage!

Inspired by the great tradition of such legendary brasseries as Paris’ La Coupole, Kettners invited artists to enjoy a lavish evening of eating and drinking on the house in exchange for an original artwork of their own making.

The artists exchanged paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs which will be added to the Kettner’s collection and displayed permanently throughout the house.

Auguste - the big handed ape, created by the Monkey Nut Collective, heads the collection as Kettner’s new and much loved mascot.

The Grande Fete culminated in an impromptu re-creation of Delacroixs painting Liberty Leading the People. Liberty, embodied by one of the artists, bared a breast for truth and beauty in a tableau vivant, and there was Champagne for everyone!

Through its new series of Grandes Fêtes des Artistes, Kettners is reopening up Soho, the London art worlds spiritual home, to the artists who have made it what it is.

Much like New Yorks Chelsea, Londons Soho has long been the home of famous artists and creative people, but in recent years all but the most commercially successful have been pushed out by rising prices.


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