wisp

We duly loaded up two by two and juddered off higher up the mountain, now hardly caring where we were headed: from my pillion seat, I could see stunning views of mountain peaks covered by only the wispiest of clouds.

As the big birthday loomed, the mum-of-two made a jaw-dropping appearance at the Bafta awards in 2000, wearing the wispiest, turquoise slip of a dress.

Panels ranged from the wispiest sheers in silks, organdy, voile and organza fabrications, with an emphasis on crinkled, textured and pleated looks.

The intelligence and care that have gone into the picture are most manifest in them; which is why it's so disappointing to see the plug suddenly pulled at the end so that all their purpose and self-regard drain out, for the sake of the wispiest sort of short-story resolution.

A selection of drawings is also included, ranging from the wispiest just-started sketch to an overstuffed and bulging sort of bas-relief.