Subversive art duo Gilbert and George’s tribute for King Charles

ARTIST duo Gilbert and George are planning a tribute to King Charles III in their new gallery space in east London.

The pair are building a permanent gallery near their home and studio in Spitalfields. “We wanted to celebrate the opening of the Gilbert and George centre during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II so that was part of the design,” said George last night at a Sarabande Foundation talk. “Now, of course, we’ve changed it.” It seems to have included “ER”, Elizabeth’s royal seal.

Despite their expletive-ridden work, they claim to be “normal, decent people” who support the royals. “We found the artists around us were anti-monarchy. It’s exhausting!” said George.

The gallery has taken a while to open. “We hope it will open before we have to change it to ‘WR’” for William, George joked.

R Patz turn as Art Patz irritates some

ACTOR Robert Pattinson has irritated some in the art world by working with Sotheby’s as a curator. The star, from Barnes, helped select paintings for a sale in New York next week. “What would he know about art?” wondered an online sceptic. In a promotional video, Pattinson says his acting is inspired by art, and once saw a sculpture that made him realise “this is what I’m trying to do as a performance”.

Liz Truss: the new Tina?

Despite a narrower than expected win in the race for PM, Liz Truss is building a team of believers. Sacking former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Truss told him he was “probably the best communicator in government” but as he backed Rishi Sunak, there was “no room at the inn”, report Sky. Thatcher fan Truss could adopt the Iron Lady’s other ‘Tina’ nickname: There is no alternative.

Amsterdam in Leicester Square

Londoner’s Diary 22nd September

STARS Margot Robbie and Christian Bale were at a premiere of new film Amsterdam in Leicester Square last night. Co-stars Andrea Riseborough and Rami Malek there too Robbie this week said pictures of her filming the Barbie movie in neon outfits were the “most humiliating moment of her life”. In Mayfair, Naomie Harris went to a preview for a “Brilliant & Black” jewellery show at Sotheby’s. At the V&A, Bill Nighy was at the private view of a new exhibition on modern Korea with curators Yoojin Choi and Rosalie Kim.

Blunt still behind the taps

James Blunt went with his wife Sofia to a 21st birthday party for Notting Hill eatery e&o last night. The busy singer told us he also works “three nights a week” at his other job as a landlord at The Fox and Pheasant in Chelsea. Has it led to an alcohol problem, we asked? “Why do you think I own a pub?” he laughed.