Welcome to Wednesday Wishes.
Museums and galleries across London seem to be getting ready for summer with a whole slew of openings. Diva at the V&A, Anselm Kiefer at White Cube, Carrie Mae Weems at the Barbican, Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis at the Hayward, AI at the Science Gallery and the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery are on my to visit list this week. Whilst at home I have getting inspiration for some arty home renovation in Paint and Make by Philippa Stockley.
You may recall that I spent my birthday a few weeks back in Antwerp. If you fancy a cultural few days in there I have written a guide to everything you need to know about visiting Antwerp.
I love a walk. Especially a walk with art. Even better a walk that goes from A to B with transport at either end. The Line does all these things. It starts at Olympic Park follows the Lea down to the Thames, crosses over the river via cable car and finishes at the O2 arena, along the way are more than 20 sculptures. This week two giant chairs clad in Dutch Wax print fabric by Yinka Ilori have joined the trail at the Royal Docks, outside the Good Hotel and right next to the cable car. Take a look at The Line website, I’ve never walked it from end to end but have explored small sections and never had a duff day out doing so. On my latest visit I had iced coffee on the the roof terrace at the Good Hotel which was excellent place to watch the world go by.
Portraits of Dogs at the Wallace Collection is wonderful whimsical look at dogs in art. I’m hoping that there will be a cat version soon. This Friday evening the there will be a talk at the Wallace entitled Best in Show which will feature Dr Edgar Peters Bowron will discussing the role dogs have played in culture, from film to photography. If you fancy popping along tickets are available from the Wallace Collection website. If you can’t get to the gallery you can watch online.
Are you looking to buy an art work? If you are there are two events this weekend. Art on a Postcard has an extraordinary array of artists who have created work on a postcard. All the work is up for auction in aid of the Hepatitis C Trust. Take a look at the website, bids start at £50. Tucked away at the Admiralty Arch end of The Mall are The Mall Galleries. They have an excellent cafe if you are ever in the area in the need of tea. This week they are playing host to the annual exhibition of the The New English Art Club, most of the works are for sale. You can also view the exhibition online. Take a look and see if there is anything you fancy.
Way back in the 80s my degree was in Environmental Science and I retain a deep interest in all things ecological and environmental. This week at the Wellcome Collection the Land Body Ecologies Festival has a mass of events including performances, food, workshops, discussions, music and films on offer. All of it free. Take a look at the Wellcome website for the full programme.
Happy Culturing
Catherine