March, 2025: Launching a Nonprofit for Collaborative Creative Partnerships
Inspired by the profound connection between Ida and Paul, a nonprofit organization will be founded to cultivate close, one-on-one relationships between emerging creative writers and fine artists.
This initiative will provide a platform for these pairs to collaborate, facilitating the creation and promotion of a cohesive body of work.
By prioritizing personal mentorship and direct partnerships, the nonprofit aims to nurture meaningful, collaborative relationships that empower both artists and writers to flourish as they transition from college to their professional careers.
Honouring
Paul Adams Huntington
12th May 1954 – 29th March 2024
12th May, 2024: First Birthday Without Paul
Ida met Paul at Ai Weiwei’s exhibition opening at Lisson Gallery in London on 11th May 2011, an encounter that blossomed into a profound 13-year friendship. Ida reflects with deep gratitude on the years they shared, during which Paul was not only her closest confidant but also a constant source of inspiration.
He was a man of quiet dignity, deeply respected by all, and treated everyone with kindness and consideration.
Paul was an art writer, muse, photographer, art dealer, and patron of the arts—roles he embraced specifically
to support and nurture Ida’s artistic journey. He devoted himself to her work, offering invaluable guidance and
mentorship. He lived at Sydney Street, SW3, at the heart of London’s art scene, where his presence was deeply interwoven into the cultural fabric of the city.
The Birth of an Idea series, conceived by Ida during her time at Chelsea College in 2010, became a defining moment in her artistic career. After meeting Paul in May 2011, they spent a year discussing art, which led to a flourishing collaboration. In 2012, Paul took the lead in arranging Ida’s first solo exhibition in Notting Hill.
A serendipitous encounter with Charlotte and Chris Thackery while walking past the Westbourne Grove Church secured the venue, and the exhibition was an overwhelming success.
Over the years, Ida traveled between New York, London, and occasionally Oslo, balancing her artistic practice with her enduring friendship with Paul. In the winter of 2015/2016, when Ida fell ill with pneumonia, she flew to London for treatment. Paul, ever the devoted friend, cared for her with natural remedies for nearly two months. Once she recovered, he appeared at her bedroom door with two canvases, smiling and saying, “You’ve recovered. Now, it’s time to create a new series and surpass The Birth of an Idea.” Thus, The Letter series was born.
On another occasion, after a holiday and while shopping for peaches—Paul’s favorite fruit—Ida remarked that she would remember the trip forever. Paul, with his characteristic thoughtfulness, replied, “I don’t want to be just a memory.” He also shared, “The way to deal with memories is to layer new ones on top.”
Ida is now driven by a deep sense of purpose to preserve Paul’s legacy, ensuring his spirit and influence live on
through her work and in the memories of all who knew him.
Inspired by their long creative partnership and shared artistic journey, an art show took place in 2024:
Honouring Paul Huntington: Art Exhibition
Dates: 6th October – 7th November 2024
Preview: 8th October, 2024
Location: Westbourne Grove Church ArtSpace, Notting Hill, London W11 2RW
(Closest Tube Station: Notting Hill Gate)
A special thanks to Charlotte and Chris Thackery.