Everything I’m About to Tell You Is a Lie
Bizarre, I know, but honestly, that's what happened. I was heading to London to photograph the Regent's Canal via bicycle. A friend told me that Photo London would be on while I was there and that I should check it out if possible. Since I had yet to learn where Photo London was being held, I filed that notion in the 'yes, sure, maybe' file. I was staying at the Nix in Holborn, and the following day, I decided to walk down to the Thames and check it out.
I got several images, and heading back, I noticed that Photo London was right in front of me at Somerset House! The VIP preview would be the next day, but I wanted to sneak in and check out what was happening. I decided to stroll in like I owned the place, and the next thing I knew, I was dodging workmen, ladders, people aiming lights, hanging artwork, and putting little tags on the walls. I started going through the exhibit, and it was spectacular!
Almost immediately, though, a staff member approached me and said firmly, "You can't be here!" I remember asking what I had to do to be permitted to be there, and they said, "You have to be an exhibitor, and you have to be vetted, and have a pass and blah blah blah." So okay, I remember thinking. I got in the elevator, took it to the second floor, and approached a group of serious-looking people behind the main counter. I took a deep breath and uttered words I'd never said before in my entire life:
"Everything I'm about to tell you is a lie," I said. Then I told them the truth: I owned an art gallery in Phoenix, had been in the business for over 30 years, and had mounted dozens of shows similar to the one they were putting up at that moment. Couldn't I get a sneak preview? (Most of the images had never been seen by the public before.)
The stern-looking gentleman in charge slowly shook his head and returned to his computer. I thought, "What the hell, it was worth a shot."
The next thing I knew, he turned with a grin and handed me an exhibitor's pass with my name and Esprit Decor Gallery printed on it—pretty much the key to the kingdom. After thanking him and the rest of the staff profusely, I hustled back downstairs and went through the entire show – the day before it opened!
The moral of this story (if there is one) would have to be, "If you're going to lie, always make sure you're telling the truth."
It worked for me, but by all means, you do you. The entire portfolio can be seen here: https://www.patkofahl.com/Postcards-from-London
