Brand Beckham gives Mayfair Art Weekend a boost

Mayfair Art Weekend gets some star power this year, thanks to a Spice Girl. The annual three-day festival of free events across London’s gallery district (29 June-1 July) has the backing of Victoria Beckham, whose flagship fashion store is in Dover Street; the former pop star and critically acclaimed fashion designer has “confirmed a creative partnership”, a spokeswoman says. The move is surprising, given that dealers in the commercial district have traditionally frowned on luxury brands moving into the area. Almost 40 galleries across Mayfair and St James’s will open their doors during the weekend, which coincides with the Royal Academy of Arts’ 250th anniversary celebrations.