It’s been a mammoth undertaking! This was the introduction from Jane Alison, the co-curator of the Barbican’s new exhibition, Modern Couples, which explores how all the relationships featured in the exhibition have changed art and how society viewed these relationships. This is not art seen as it so often is through the lens of the single male genius but instead it opens up our thinking about what emerges from collaborations between couples and it makes a particular point of putting the women first in each couple (where there is a man/woman couple) making her the lead, not the muse or supporter. A refreshing viewpoint, which feels very much in tune with our times. Continue reading
Tag: art
Splendours of the Subcontinent at the Queen’s Gallery, London
The first member of the royal family to visit India was Edward when he was Prince of Wales in 1875. The purpose of the tour was to establish and strengthen diplomatic links with the independent rulers of Indian Subcontinent who were not under the British crown. He visited more than 21 places over 8 months and met over 90 rulers and the gifts mounted up. Continue reading
Prince and Patron at Buckingham Palace
Each summer Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the public while the Queen is away on her holidays. You can tour the palace and see its richly decorated state rooms and extraordinary art gallery. But there is more! A special exhibition accompanies the opening of the rooms and as it’s Prince Charles’ s 70th birthday this year, he gets to chose his favourite pieces of art to put on display in an exhibition entitled Prince and Patron. Continue reading
The Painted Hall, Greenwich
The Painted Hall in Greenwich is a wonderful sight at any time but during their restoration project you can climb a huge scaffolding and see the artwork close up. There’s a massive conservation project going on before the hall reopens in full splendour next year. Continue reading
The BP Portrait Award 2018
Each year the judges sift through the thousands of entries from all round the world for the BP Portrait Award and somehow decide on the 48 that will make the show at the National Portrait Gallery. I don’t envy them this incredibly hard task but the outcome is a wonderful display and a stunning range of portraits for us to enjoy and marvel at.
Rebel Women at the National Portrait Gallery
I’m really familiar with the National Portrait Gallery, London, or so I thought until I was invited to preview their Rebel Women Trail. Much to my shame and amusement I found a section of the gallery which had escaped me so I am very pleased to highlight it in this blog post. Continue reading
The new Royal Academy London
The new Royal Academy is a rather odd title since the Royal Academy is celebrating its 250th birthday! What’s new is their fabulous extension into the neighbouring Burlington House giving them a great deal more exhibition space. There is no avoiding the excitement in the place as they proudly display that something NEW is happening! Continue reading
A new arrival on Trafalgar Square’s 4th Plinth
London has wonderful art in its museums and galleries but the art and sculpture in public spaces is a constant delight as we walk around. My favourite site is the 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square which has extremely varied pieces which have changed every couple of years since 1999. After sitting empty for 150 years what is known as the Fourth Plinth began hosting some temporary commissions and this has built into a stunning series of works, often provoking debate and controversy but always bringing something new to the square.
Charles II shows us his power at the Queen’s Gallery
The new exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery is called Charles ll: Art & Power and it really does what it says. Continue reading
Fun and games and the Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is one of the most visited galleries in the world as it’s full of amazing art but for me, the building is also a big part of the attraction. The views across London from the top floors and the new extension which opened last year is stunning – see my review. Continue reading