CLARIFICATION (1 November): The T-shirt was given summer 2023 prior to Tracey Emin’s appointment as a trustee of the British Museum and before Dr Nicholas Cullinan’s appointment as the director of the British Museum. The headline has also been amended to reflect this.
King Charles III handed out his birthday gongs (honours) in June to much fanfare with Tracey Emin’s elevation to a dame received in some art quarters with affection (indeed, the former YBA was almost canonised by some). Nicholas Cullinan, the new director of the British Museum, writes on Instagram that “two constants have always been your greatness and fearlessness as an artist and your kindness and loyalty as a friend to so many”. Cullinan also photographed himself alongside Emin who is seen brandishing a T-shirt emblazoned with “Margate is my Marfa”. This arty garb prompted some sparkling comments from art and fashion luminaries including the US writer Derek Blasberg who implored: “Where do I get this shirt?” Cullinan reveals online that he commissioned the jaunty top as a birthday gift (matey merchandise perhaps). Emin is a trustee of the British Museum, making her and Cullinan board bosom buddies.