From Julian Barrow Q. As an artist I am often
annoyed when, at one of my private views, someone comes up to me almost in tears saying that the painting she particularly wanted to buy has already got a red dot on it and that was the one painting she really wanted. Although such people are trying to flatter one they clearly have no desire whatsoever to buy a painting. How can I stamp out this timewasting practice?
A. Why not tease these people by saying, ‘You’re in luck. In this gallery we do things differently. The exhibition starts with a red spot on every picture and we take them off as they sell.’ Pause while they squirm and say they will have to ask their husbands, then add, ‘Oh no. I tell a lie. I’m muddling this gallery up with my New York gallery. You’re right — it has been sold.’
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