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
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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
Ten Great Cockney Phrases and their Meanings
Cockney rhyming slang has been around since the 19th Century as a special language focused in the East End of London. Debates about the origins focus on whether it was a simple shorthand used by market vendors or a code to cover criminal activity. Regardless of the reason why rhyming slang started, it became an indelible part of Cockney culture and identity. If you find … [Read more...] about Ten Great Cockney Phrases and their Meanings
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
Introducing the London Bundle – Get a FREE London Guidebook!
We’re announcing a special deal today inspired by some suggestions from Anglotopia and Londontopia followers. We’ve created a new bundle in the Anglotopia store we’re calling the London Bundle, and it’s your chance to get a FREE Guidebook! The London Bundle includes our two recently announced titles coming out this Autumn - London Tube 101 and The 2023 London Annual, plus a … [Read more...] about Introducing the London Bundle – Get a FREE London Guidebook!
London Alert: Announcing the Beautiful London Annual for 2023 – Special Holiday Weekend Pre-order Offer!
Exciting news. We have decided to continue the London Annual for 2023. As we’ve done in the past, we’re opening up pre-orders today to gauge demand overall, and it will release in October, just in time for the holiday season, and the travel season for 2023. The biggest component of the London Annual for 2023 will be the events and exhibitions section, compiled by Laura … [Read more...] about London Alert: Announcing the Beautiful London Annual for 2023 – Special Holiday Weekend Pre-order Offer!
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
London Alert: Announcing Our latest book – London Tube 101 – History, Culture, and Travel on London’s Transport Network
We are thrilled to announce Anglotopia's newest book: London Tube 101- History, Culture, and Travel on London’s Transport Network. This new publication is your complete guidebook to London's iconic transport network; its history, culture, and a guide to using the famous London Tube network. The book will be released in September and we need to start pre-orders now. We … [Read more...] about London Alert: Announcing Our latest book – London Tube 101 – History, Culture, and Travel on London’s Transport Network
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
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
Queen beams in sunshine yellow for surprise visit to open Elizabeth Line in London
The Queen has made a surprise appearance to officially open the completed Elizabeth line, named in her honor. She was given an Oyster card and shown how to use it on a ticket machine. The 96-year-old monarch, who now rarely carries out public engagements outside of her royal residences, joined her youngest son the Earl of Wessex at Paddington Station for the royal visit … [Read more...] about Queen beams in sunshine yellow for surprise visit to open Elizabeth Line in London
Ten Romantic Places to Visit in London
Paris might be the “City of Love”, but London certainly has its share of romance. From picturesque Royal Parks to statues that celebrate love, the city has many romantic spots for you to take a loved one. We’ve identified ten different places for romance throughout London and many of them present a great opportunity for a date. If you need flowers, want to take a picnic, … [Read more...] about Ten Romantic Places to Visit in London
Finally: London’s new £19bn Elizabeth line to open on May 24 – Crossrail Arrives!
London’s delayed and over-budget Elizabeth line railway will finally open on Tuesday, May 24, Transport for London (TfL) has announced. Services will initially operate from Mondays to Saturdays, allowing further testing and software updates to take place on Sundays. Crossrail – the project to build the new east-west railway – was due to be completed in December 2018 and was … [Read more...] about Finally: London’s new £19bn Elizabeth line to open on May 24 – Crossrail Arrives!
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
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
BIG NEWS! Announcing a Special Publication in Celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Please Pre-Order!
As you may have heard, this year marks Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne, and like in 2012 and previous Jubilees, Britain is throwing a big party for her. Most of the big celebrations will take place in June but there’s a year-long series of events and commemorations. Anglotopia has decided to release a special publication in celebration of this milestone. … [Read more...] about BIG NEWS! Announcing a Special Publication in Celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Please Pre-Order!
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
Ten London Buildings Designed by Sir Charles Barry
Several famous architects have put their indelible stamp on London, designing several of its most famous buildings. Certainly, one of its most famous designers is none other than Sir Charles Barry. As a young man, Barry enjoyed sketching and used his inheritance to embark on a grand tour of Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, where he was inspired by the … [Read more...] about Ten London Buildings Designed by Sir Charles Barry
Ten Most Important London Events of the 1980s
London of the 1980s may seem like a gritty and grey place when portrayed in media, full of “Greed is good”-businessmen, loud music, and protests against Margaret Thatcher’s government. However, amidst the big shoulder pads and even bigger hair of the decade, the period between 1981 and 1990 produced some events that would help change London for the better. To highlight these … [Read more...] about Ten Most Important London Events of the 1980s
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!