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Event date 24 January 2024 -
Event location London
Please note all attendees must register for entry. There will be one queue for all and registering does not guarantee priority. A high volume of guests is expected and once at capacity, entry will follow a one-in, one-out system.
Explore the event
Explore the programme
Talks
5:30pm | Lower Ryder Gallery
Dire Straits: The Dolby Atmos Music Backstory and Installation at Mark Knopfler’s British Grove Studios
Myles Clarke from Dolby Laboratories in conversation with British Grove Studio’s Andy Cook and Felipe Gutierrez
6pm | Lower Ryder Gallery
Portobello Road Gin: Local Heroes
Paul Crockford, Mark Knopfler’s manager, Jake Burger, The Ginstitute’s gin instructor, and Charlie Foley, Christie’s Wine and Spirits specialist, delve into the crafting of the Local Heroes Gin, a collaboration with Mark Knopfler
7pm | Lower Ryder Gallery
My Life in Dire Straits
Join John Illsley, founding member and bass guitarist of Dire Straits, in conversation with Paul Sexton, music journalist and broadcaster, sharing first-hand insights into the band’s rise from London pubs to global stardom and paying tribute to his enduring friendship with Mark Knopfler
8:15pm | Lower Ryder Gallery
40 Years of Guitars and Friendship
Rudy and Stephanie Pensa, founder of Rudy’s Music in New York, and Kerry Keane, Christie’s musical instruments specialist, reflect on Rudy’s 40-year friendship with Mark Knopfler, told through the guitars that have shaped their musical journey
9pm | Lower Ryder Gallery
Crafting Harmony: Exploring Contrasts and Commonalities between Luthier-Crafted and Factory-Built Guitars
Discover the art of luthiery with Rosie Heydenrych, founder of Turnstone Guitar Company and Daisy Tempest, founder of Tempest Guitars, in conversation with Amelia Walker, Christie’s head of sale for The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection
Exhibitions and other entertainment — Throughout the evening
The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection exhibition | Great Room, East Room, Ante Room, New Gallery, West Room
Immersive sound experience delivered by Dolby and Neumann | West Room, New Gallery
Guitar-making demonstration with Daisy Tempest | Augusta Galleries
Watch as Daisy demonstrates how a bespoke guitar can be ‘voiced’ and presents some of her hand-built instruments crafted over months in her London workshop
Portobello Road Gin | East Room
Enjoy a selection of three signature drinks featuring limited edition Local Heroes Gin, crafted in collaboration with Mark Knopfler
The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection auction catalogues and posters | Front Desk
Available for purchase
Hatchards pop-up bookstore | King Street Annex
Visit the Hatchards pop-up as they celebrate Mark Knopfler with a selection of books, including copies of My Life in Dire Straits, signed by the author, John Illsley
Pop-up cinema | King Street Gallery
Enjoy Mark Knopfler’s film soundtracks with screenings of:
The Princess Bride | 6pm – 7:40pm
Local Hero | 8pm – 9:50pm
Mark Knopfler photobooth | Duke Street Gallery
Unleash your inner rockstar by striking a pose in our Mark Knopfler-inspired photobooth
Burnt Mill Beer pay bar | Duke Street Gallery
Christie’s pay bar | Long Gallery
To browse the previous editions, visit Christie’s Lates or explore on social media using the hashtag #christieslates
All attendees are required to register online, or alternatively at the door upon entry to consent to be photographed and filmed during the event. There will be one queue for all and registering does not guarantee priority entry. As soon as we hit capacity, you will be admitted on a one-in, one-out basis. We expect a high volume of guests and a queue is likely to form.
Meet the participants
Daisy Tempest
Daisy has long been passionate about music and making things. In her early 20s, she united these interests by actively pursuing an apprenticeship with a luthier and earned a QEST Garfield Weston Foundation Apprenticeship to formalise her training. After being awarded the Newby Trust Excellence Award, Daisy went on to establish her own company, Tempest Guitars. Her highly sought-after guitars are now sold worldwide, with a current waiting list of over 6 years.
@daisy_tempest
Portobello Road Gin
Portobello Road Gin, located in Notting Hill, is a revered hub for crafting premium gins. With a commitment to quality botanicals and a blend of tradition and innovation, this distillery has become a celebrated name in the global spirits scene. As proud purveyors of London's Spirit, their award-winning gins and vodkas have transcended borders and are now savoured by enthusiasts worldwide.
@portobelloroaddistillery
Rosie Heydenrych
Rosie Heydenrych is a skilled luthier and founder of Turnstone Guitar Company, a two-person family-run business specialising in custom steel string acoustic guitars. Established in 2015, Turnstone quickly earned a notable reputation, and their guitars are now found in homes all over the world. With years of dedicated practice, Rosie has perfected the intricate hand-skills required to transform raw timber into world-class instruments.
@turnstoneguitar
Burnt Mill
Burnt Mill is dedicated to upholding precise quality standards — from the selection of raw materials through to the fill levels of the final packaged beer. Embracing vegan-friendly practices, they use cocoa husks for flavour and pea-based finings to achieve brightness in their beers, which include a diverse selection of West Coast gluten-free options. Burn Mill’s beer cellaring process adheres to rigorous standards, dedicating time to ensure stability and eliminate off-flavours before packaging.
@burntmillbrewery
Hatchards
Founded in 1797 by John Hatchard, publisher and anti-slavery campaigner, Hatchards stands as London’s oldest bookshop and an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of central London’s Piccadilly. With a long association with the British royal family since the 18th century, Hatchards proudly holds the distinguished title of royal warrant holder, a testament to its esteemed legacy.
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