This National Gallery landmark exhibition is being staged to mark the centenary of the birth of artist Lucian Freud (1922–2011.) It is the first major Lucian Freud exhibition in a decade to showcase his long and influential career. Family The grandson of Sigmund Freud, Lucian Freud was born in Berlin in 1922. His father was the Jewish architect Ernst L. Freud. Ernst was … [Read more...] about Exhibition Report: Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery
Columns
Report on New Installation on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square – Antelope by Samson Kambalu
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square has displayed temporary contemporary art since 1998. THE END by Heather Phillipson was removed on 15 August 2022, and the latest choice was unveiled on Wednesday, 28 September 2022. Antelope by Samson Kambalu is the 14th Fourth Plinth commission and will stay until next year. It was selected in 2021 by the Fourth Plinth Commission … [Read more...] about Report on New Installation on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square – Antelope by Samson Kambalu
Westminster Hall: The colorful history of the 900-year-old building
The King described Westminster Hall as a “great hall” which holds “reminders of medieval predecessors of the office to which I have been called” during a speech given to MPs and peers in Parliament. Charles’s address is the latest speech to take place in the hall, a location which has been used to mark momentous moments in British history. It dates back more than 900 … [Read more...] about Westminster Hall: The colorful history of the 900-year-old building
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening 2022 Report
The annual Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace has returned this year. It's when we get to look around the Palace's State Rooms while the Queen is away. Each time there is a special exhibition and this year it's Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession. Summer Opening After the Windsor Castle fire in 1992, the decision was taken to open Buckingham Palace to visitors to raise … [Read more...] about Buckingham Palace Summer Opening 2022 Report
Lucian Freud: Family Matters at Freud Museum London
For the centenary of the birth of British artist Lucian Freud (1922–2011), the Freud Museum is staging its first-ever exhibition of his work. The exhibition explores the childhood, family life, and early work of Lucian Freud at the London home of his grandfather, Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), the founder of psychoanalysis. On display are paintings, drawings, photographs, … [Read more...] about Lucian Freud: Family Matters at Freud Museum London
Superbloom at The Tower of London – The Return Visit
Superbloom is in the dry moat at the Tower of London. I first visited in late May and there were concerns that it didn't look as lovely as it might in the summer. So I decided to return and see the changes. As a recap, this is a permanent transformation in the 13th-century moat. It was drained in 1845 and it's taken over 175 years for another drastic change. The soil was … [Read more...] about Superbloom at The Tower of London – The Return Visit
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2022 Report
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is an annual highlight for London culture. It is the world's oldest open submission exhibition. What does that mean? It means that anyone can enter their work to be considered for inclusion. Yes, anyone. So, we get to see artworks from incredible Royal Academicians and artists most will never have heard of before. What Is The Summer … [Read more...] about Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2022 Report
First Look: Laura Goes to Superbloom at The Tower of London
All of London is celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this week. There's bunting everywhere and we're getting an extra public holiday. Superbloom at The Tower of London is the culmination of a 3-year project for Historic Royal Palaces. The historic dry moat has been transformed. And this is a permanent change. Over 20 million seeds have been sown here to create a new … [Read more...] about First Look: Laura Goes to Superbloom at The Tower of London
Edvard Munch: Masterpieces From Bergen – New Exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery
One of the most important collections of paintings by Edvard Munch (1863–1944) is being shown in the UK for the first time in a new exhibition at The Courtauld. Eleven of the paintings have never been on display in the UK before. The Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Edvard Munch. Masterpieces from Bergen brings together 18 seminal paintings by Munch from KODE Bergen Art … [Read more...] about Edvard Munch: Masterpieces From Bergen – New Exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery
Laura’s London: Elizabeth Line Opening Day First Person Report
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, I couldn't be there today for this special day, but thankfully Laura Porter was able to get out there and check out London's new railway today and write up this report for everyone. Thank you, Laura! We'll soon forget the long delay and the enormous cost as the Elizabeth Line opens today (24 May 2022). This is the most significant addition to … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Elizabeth Line Opening Day First Person Report
Laura’s London: Exploring The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
The Old Operating Theatre Museum is a museum of surgical history housed in a church attic. Yes, there is so much about that sentence that needs explaining! The Museum has two parts: the Herb Garret and the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. Anniversaries This London Bridge attraction has been open for 60 years, but 2022 is also 200 years since the first … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Exploring The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
Laura’s London: Rare Tour of The Speaker’s House State Apartments at the Palace of Westminster
For two weeks during the House of Commons Easter recess, there was the rare opportunity to see inside the Speaker's House. This was the first time tours of these State Apartments have been offered to the public so I booked quickly and got a ticket before all tours sold out. For over 160 years the State Apartments in Speaker’s House has hosted visits and dinners for Royalty … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Rare Tour of The Speaker’s House State Apartments at the Palace of Westminster
The London Fiver – Five Unusual Hobbies You Can Learn in London
When people go on holiday, they might opt for taking a course to learn something like French pastry making or Italian cooking. London certainly has its own share of courses tourists can take from chocolate making to beer brewing, but there are also more than a few unusual hobbies that you can learn while you’re visiting the city. From centuries-old skills to fictional sports, … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Unusual Hobbies You Can Learn in London
Canaletto’s Venice Revisited – Review of Latest Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum
Canaletto's Venice Revisited is at the National Maritime Museum from 1 April 2022. It explores some of the most iconic 'view paintings' of Venice and how the tourism that helped establish Canaletto's career, today threatens his city's future. The exhibition combines paintings from Woburn Abbey with objects from the Royal Museums Greenwich's collections. Look … [Read more...] about Canaletto’s Venice Revisited – Review of Latest Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum
The London Fiver – Five of the Best Bookshops in the Borough of Camden
Camden is known for being one of the best shopping experiences in London with its multiple street markets, high street shops, and pop-up retailers. Naturally, such a great place for shopping also extends to books. The Borough of Camden has some of the best small and independent bookshops that you’ll find in the city, and amongst the rows and rows of books in them, just about … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of the Best Bookshops in the Borough of Camden
Exhibition Report: The World of Stonehenge Exhibition at British Museum
When a major London exhibition gets repeated five-star reviews and is described as 'magnificent,' 'astonishing' and 'unmissable,' you know it's one you have to see. The World of Stonehenge opened at the British Museum on 17 February 2022. I've seen some reviewers describe it as one of those exhibitions you will remember for the rest of your life. With such high praise, I had to … [Read more...] about Exhibition Report: The World of Stonehenge Exhibition at British Museum
The Fiver – Five Bookshops in Greenwich to Visit
Continuing our search for the best places for bibliophiles in London, we turn our attention to the other side of the River Thames and the Borough of Greenwich. There are a wide variety of bookshops within the boundaries of Greenwich, from great secondhand stores to large corporate retailers. Whatever you’re looking to read, we can guide you to one of five shops within the … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five Bookshops in Greenwich to Visit
William Morris and his life and London Connections
William Morris (1834–96) was a man of many talents. His life, and life's work, made a huge impact on the worlds of literature, design, and politics. When you hear his name, you may first think of the wallpaper and textile designs, but he achieved so much more. William Morris was a designer, architect, craftsman, artist, novelist, printer, socialist, environmentalist, idealist, … [Read more...] about William Morris and his life and London Connections
Five Romantic Activities in London for Valentine’s Day
Now that the world is opening up again, people are making their romantic travel plans for 2022. While most people might think of Paris or the Bahamas to celebrate their love, why not give London a try? Many people fall in love in London, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate your love for one another in the British capital. We have identified five such activities that … [Read more...] about Five Romantic Activities in London for Valentine’s Day
The Fiver – Five People You Probably Didn’t Know Were from Greater London
London is a wonderful city to grow up in, though not everyone who’s born there stays there. Plenty of famous celebrities have their origins in London but became famous as residents of other countries. It may surprise you to find out that some of America’s biggest names actually got their start in the United Kingdom’s capital, having been born or spending a good bit of their … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five People You Probably Didn’t Know Were from Greater London
The London Fiver – Five New Things Coming to London in 2022
As we turn the corner into a new year, it looks like the end may finally be in sight for the pandemic. With London opening back up and available for tourists yet again, there are plenty of new things in the city to celebrate this year. From new museum exhibits to a massive royal celebration, there is a lot going on in London for residents and visitors alike to do. We’ve … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five New Things Coming to London in 2022
Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art 50s to Now – Latest Exhibition at Tate Britain
This Tate Britain exhibition explores Caribbean-British art over four generations. There is an open admittance that, like much of the mainstream British art world, Tate was late to recognize many of the artists included. But that is being rectified now with this celebration of this cross-cultural genre of art. Over Forty Artists This is the first time a major national … [Read more...] about Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art 50s to Now – Latest Exhibition at Tate Britain
In Pictures: Dennis Severs’ House at Christmas
Dennis Severs' House is not a museum but a private home that opens to the public as a time capsule to London's past. The Christmas spirit returns to Dennis Severs' House with the Annual Christmas Installation from 25 November 2021 to 9 January 2022. How It All Started American artist Dennis Severs (1948–99) bought this unmodernized 18th-century House in 1979 and decided not … [Read more...] about In Pictures: Dennis Severs’ House at Christmas
Christmas Comes to the Charles Dickens Museum in London
Visiting the Charles Dickens Museum at Christmas time is a real treat as the place is transformed with Victorian-style decorations. This year, the Museum has lots of winter events, including a production of A Christmas Carol streamed from inside Charles Dickens's only surviving London home. There are also spooky ghost stories and 'A Search for Father Christmas' for families … [Read more...] about Christmas Comes to the Charles Dickens Museum in London
The Courtauld Gallery Reopening after 3 year closure for renovations – Here’s a look at what’s changed
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has been closed since 2018 for the largest transformation project of its history. It reopens on Friday, Nov 19, 2021, allowing us to enjoy not only the magnificent Impressionist and Post Impressionist collection but so much more with the extra gallery space. The Courtauld is home to one of the greatest collections of art in the UK, … [Read more...] about The Courtauld Gallery Reopening after 3 year closure for renovations – Here’s a look at what’s changed
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