Six years ago Cressida took over the management of the Quentin Follies, the annual art auction which culminates (on Saturday night) in an evening of theatrical entertainments. Set up in memory of Quentin, Cressida’s father, the event has been turned around by her involvement. “We’d been holding a theatrical evening for many years but it wasn’t making any money so I decided to start up the art auction to raise the level of funds.” Using her artistic connections, Cressida secured donations from high-profile artists from Peter Blake to Patti Smith. “I write people lots of letters just reminding them of their connections to the family or the house”, she laughs. “And people have been very generous. Peter Blake and Richard Hamilton were friends of my father, and Patti Smith knew my mother.”
Tonight’s programme will consist of a live auction of some of the choice art pieces led by William Nicholson, a buffet dinner and an old-style variety entertainment compered by Lewes-based comedian Richard Dyball. “There will be a line-up of about ten acts covering everything from song and dance to comedy and burlesque”, says Cressida. “There will be a dancer doing interesting things with balloons, a turn from rising star Joanna Neary, a camp rendition of ‘You’re the Tops’ with ‘additional lyrics’ whatever that means, and an appearance from punk icon Kirk Brandon.” The finale will be a huge firework display over the lake. “Not bad for £38 per head,” she finishes. ER