A small practical thing I have never solved.

When you go see a gallery in person, what do you carry in with you? I have tried both ways and neither felt right. The first time I brought a box of prints, maybe twelve blue sheets wrapped in tissue, and I could not bring myself to open it. It stayed under my arm the whole visit and I left with the box still closed and my ears hot. The second time I brought nothing at all, only myself, and the conversation was lovely and warm and then simply ended, and I realised I had nothing to leave behind.

Now I bring a single print, one only, small, and a card with my name on it. It feels less like a presentation and more like showing someone a shell you picked up on the beach. But I am not sure it is the right instinct.

So, what goes in your bag? Portfolio, one piece, phone, nothing, a bottle of wine for the person at the desk? And does anyone actually ask to see it, or do you have to offer first? Tell me I have been doing it wrong, I can take it.