Capital Delights - Art and Culture

Arts and culture in London this summer.

MONET & ARCHITECTURE

Think Monet, and you no doubt think of water lilies and gardens, but Monet also painted the architecture of his time, many of which are some of Europe’s most iconic monuments. The National Gallery is showing us this side of the artist, with 75 of such paintings on display.

The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN, nationalgallery.org.uk

 

FRIDA KAHLO: MAKING HER SELF UP

The V&A is presenting an extraordinary collection of clothing and accessories belonging to the incomparable Frida Kahlo. Having never been exhibited outside of her home country of Mexico, this is expected to be a sell-out, so make sure you book your tickets now.

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL, vam.ac.uk

ORLA KIELY: A LIFE IN PATTERN

The versatile and instantly recognisable designs of Irish designer Orla Kiely are celebrated at the Fashion and Textile Museum this summer. This exhibition will be the first in the UK exploring Kiely’s designs, which decorate everything from mugs and rugs to clothes and throws. The exhibition offers a unique insight into the designer’s world and inspirations, including the original paper sketches for her signature ‘Stem’ graphic, created in the 1990s.

Fashion and Textile Museum, 53 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF, ftmlondon.org

POSTER GIRLS: A CENTURY OF ART AND DESIGN

A powerful and timely exhibition shining a light on female graphic designers of the last 100 years, highlighting the vital contributions they have made to poster design. With 150 posters and original artworks on display, discover forgotten trailblazers and current leaders in the field. The works on display encompass a spectrum of artistic styles and mediums, including modernist, abstract, collage and oil.

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB, ltmuseum.co.uk

 

CÉZANNE PORTRAITS

Cézanne's unique method of building form with colour and his analytical approach to nature influenced generations of avant-garde artists. Lauded as “the art exhibition of the year,” this brings together over 50 portraits from collections across the world.

National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE, npg.org.uk

THE PROMS

Experience the biggest and most iconic classical music festival on earth, with entertaining and affordable concerts open to all. The eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts takes place predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall, with chamber music concerts at Cadogan Hall and additional Proms in the Park events across London. Tickets go on sale on 12th May.

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP, bbc.co.uk/proms

OPEN GARDEN SQUARES WEEKEND

For one weekend a year, over 200 of London’s green spaces – many usually closed to the public – open their gates for public enjoyment. A weekend ticket allows you to explore London's urban gardens and enjoy a number of activities.

Across London, opensquares.org

 

SERPENTINE PAVILION

At 38, Frida Escobedo is the youngest architect yet to accept the invitation to design the temporary Pavilion on the Serpentine Gallery lawn in Kensington Gardens. Escobedo’s Pavilion will take the form of an enclosed courtyard, influenced by both Mexican and British architecture and history, specifically the Prime Meridian Line at London’s Royal Observatory in Greenwich. The Serpentine Pavilion 2018 acts as the platform for Park Nights, the Serpentine’s programme of experimental and artistic evenings on selected Fridays in the summer.

The Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA, serpentinegalleries.org

SUMMER EXHIBITION 2018

This annual tradition at the Royal Academy celebrates its 250th birthday with an unparalleled overview of what’s going on in contemporary art. This year’s show will be curated by art world A-lister Grayson Perry and coincides with The Great Spectacle, telling the story of the exhibition’s 250 years.

The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, W1J 0BD, royalacademy.org.uk

MASTERPIECE LONDON

Experience one of the world's leading international art fairs, covering everything from fine art to design by bringing together 150 of the world’s top galleries and specialists. A stunning event held at the height of London’s art season.

South Grounds, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4LW, masterpiecefair.com

OCEAN LINERS: SPEED AND STYLE

Revealing the opulent age of ocean travel, exploring the design of the world’s largest and most iconic ocean liners and even showcasing artefacts from the ill-fated Titanic.

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL, vam.ac.uk