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6 Nov

Coming Up at London’s Small Galleries: Michelangelo, Cezanne and Paul Nash

Posted by Jenny in Arts 1 Comment

Antonio Montauti, Diana, c.1720-40Yesterday, three of London’s smaller galleries, The Wallace Collection, The Courtauld Gallery and Dulwich Picture Gallery announced their exhibition programmes for 2010.

Less well-known than many of London’s bigger galleries, these galleries have their work cut out attracting visitors in the difficult economic climate. Happily, they’ve responded to the challenge with gusto, and these exciting exhibitions should attract plenty of attention and visitors:

The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection has been busy refurbishing, creating new galleries, and generally having a bit of a refresh. It’s holding four contemporary exhibitions next year:

  • Beauty and Power: Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Collection of Peter Marino, 29 Apr-25 Jul 2010
    Exploring the powerful world of bronze sculpture, through the collection of distinguished New York architect Peter Marino
  • Poussin to Seurat: French Drawings from the National Gallery of Scotland, 23 Sep-19 Dec 2010
    Magnificent examples of French drawings including many of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists
  • Shhh, it’s a Secret, 4 Feb-28 Mar
    Curated by twelve local school children, an interactive exhibition, unlocking the secrets behind some of the pieces from the permanent collection
  • Delaroche Paintings, 24 Feb-23 May
    A special display of Paul Delaroche paintings to complement the new major exhibition at the National Gallery, Painting History: Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey.

The Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld Gallery also have some big names in their upcoming exhibitions:

  • Michelangelo’s Dream, 18 Feb-16 May 2010
    Examining Michelangelo’s celebrated drawing, The Dream of Human Life, this exhibition also looks at closely related drawings by Michelangelo, as well as letters and poems by the artist
  • The Courtauld Collects: 20 Years of Acquisitions, 17 Jun-19 Sep 2010
    A celebration of the rich selection of works acquired by The Courtauld over the last 20 years
  • Cézanne’s Card Players, 21 Oct-16 Jan 2010
    The first exhibition to bring together the majority of Cézanne’s beautiful paintings of peasants playing cards. It also explores closely related paintings by Cézanne

Dulwich Picture Gallery
Paul Nash, Landscape from a Dream, 1936-8, Oil on canvas, 67.9 x 101.6cm, Tate, London. © Tate, London, 2009.jpgSituated in leafy Dulwich, take the chance to get out of Central London and visit this historic building. It’s only 12 minutes from Victoria by train!

  • Paul Nash, the Elements, 10 Feb-9 May 2010
    Examining Paul Nash’s work by theme, including landscapes as well as classic images of both World Wars
  • The Wyeths: Three Generations of American Art, 9 Jun-22 Aug
    Andrew Wyeth was loved by the American public, but less well received by the critics. See his work, alongside that of his father, son and sister in this exhibition
  • Salvator Rosa: Bandits, Wilderness and Magic, 15 Sep-28 Nov
    Brooding, dark and expressive paintings by rebellious artist and poet Salvator Rosa

Dulwich Picture Gallery is celebrating its bicentenary next year – so watch this space for news of how they’ll be marking the occasion.

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22 Oct

Free Outdoor Film Screening in Trafalgar Square for London Film Festival

Posted by Claire Doble in Cinema No Comments

Film still from 1905 showing transport on Tower Bridge

We’re currently halfway through the 53rd Times BFI London Film Festival (LFF), which showcases films from around the world in cinemas across the city.

You may not have managed to walk the red carpet with George Clooney and co at LFF’s glitzy opening night premiere of Fantastic Mr Fox, but there’s still plenty of time to get involved with the festival.

Tonight there is a free screening in Trafalgar Square of “London Moves Me” – a showreel of archive film shorts that tracks the evolution of transport in London. The footage shows everything from London trams in 1896 to skateboarders in 2009.

London Moves Me is projected on a giant inflatable  screen in Trafalgar Square and will be accompanied by a live pianist. The event is free and suitable for all ages.

For further details about the Outdoor Screening and other LFF events, visit www.bfi.org.uk/lff/events/outdoor_screening_in_trafalgar_square/682

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7 Oct

The Knitted Poem: National Poetry Day Live in London

Posted by Lettice in Arts 3 Comments

Judith Palmer, Director of The Poetry Society puttin the finishing touches to the knitted poem

The Poetry Society has come up with a crafty way to mark their centenary – a giant knitted poem!

Knitters all over the world were asked to knit a letter on a blanket square and send it in. The poem chosen for the project has been a closely guarded secret. As each knitter was only working on a letter, they didn’t know what the poem would be! This morning it was revealed that the letters have been sewn together to spell out In My Craft or Sullen Art by Dylan Thomas.

If you want to appreciate the full beauty of this poem (and the knitting!) head down to the Royal Festival Hall tomorrow for National Poetry Day Live!

You can join in the free events all afternoon in the Clore Ballroom, featuring live poetry readings from John Hegley, Roger McGough, Lemn Sissay and Selima Hill. Don’t miss the chance to see Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy reading her first National Poetry Day poem.

The afternoon also includes the prizegiving ceremony for the Foyle Young Poets and exclusive BBC archive footage of famous poets from the past reading their work.

National Poetry Day Live! – 8 October, Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, 2–5pm

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3 Sep

London Sewing Machine Museum

Posted by Lettice in Attractions No Comments

London Sewing Machine Museum

One of London’s best kept secrets, the London Sewing Machine Museum in Tooting Bec is open this weekend and you can visit for free! There’s always something thrilling about exploring a small specialist museum.

If you’re obsessed with sewing or machinery or both, you’ll be rubbing your knees with glee when you see this collection. The museum has two rooms packed with vintage machines, funny shaped bobbins, original packaging and sewing machine themed statues. You can see a sewing machine which was presented to Queen Victoria’s daughter as well as one shaped like a clown sitting at a table!

Local sewing machine experts from the sewing machine warehouse downstairs are on hand to tell you fascinating facts about the collection.

The museum is free and open between 2pm and 5pm on the first Saturday of the month. You have to be over 16 years old to visit because there’s lots of machinery about.

If your visit inspires you to get sewing, you can pop downstairs and buy your own machine.

And next door to the museum is a big haberdashery shop where you can pick up yarn, fabric and notions. On my recent visit, the haberdashery shop staff were knowledgeable and friendly, and weren’t even fazed when a customer popped in for craft supplies while walking her ferret on a lead.

For information about the London Sewing Machine Museum and shops, visit www.sewantique.com

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2 Sep

Free Meals at Waterloo Brasserie

Posted by Hannah in Eating Out 1 Comment

Waterloo BrasserieWaterloo Brasserie is offering free three-course meals in return for feedback on its new menu and décor.

The South Bank restaurant closed its doors in August for a revamp and has just re-opened.

The food is modern European, with signature dishes including crispy brie tatin with shallot confit, classic onion and fish soups, and a choice of tartines.

To apply for your free food, simply email waterlooreview@daviestanner.co.uk, stating your name, address, phone number and availability over the next two weeks. Happy eating!

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19 Aug

Cricket Fans: Where to Watch the Ashes for Free in London

Posted by Zoe J. Griffiths in Sport 1 Comment

People enjoying the recent Wimbledon screenings at New Street Square; where you can see the Ashes this week

It’s going to be a big, nail-biting weekend for cricket fans in the capital.

With the Ashes tournament currently standing at 1-1, all eyes will be on the Brit Oval in London (and the skies above the city!) from Thursday. Can Freddie and the rest of the squad repeat their performance of four years ago, and take cricket’s big prize?

If you don’t have tickets for the final Ashes test at The Brit Oval, and you don’t fancy shelling out for Sky Sports, you can still see every ball of the forthcoming decider, for free, in our fair city.

Three sites are offering big screen coverage from Thursday to Monday, completely free of charge. And if you’re dragging along a non-cricket fan, there’s a mix of shops, bars and restaurants by each of the screens to keep them happy.

  1. Cardinal Place, Victoria Street, London, SW1
  2. New Street Square, New Fetter Lane, London EC4
  3. Bankside Mix, Southwark Street London, SE1

Alternatively, you can head along to Regent’s Park on Saturday and Sunday and enjoy the match at the npower Cricket in the Park event.

As well as all the action on the big screen, there’ll be fun coaching zones for wannabe cricket stars, and a kids’ zone with games, fancy dress, face-painting… Everything you need to distract the rest of the family, while you get on with cheering the team to victory.

Check out our favourite Sports Pubs and Bars in London for further Ashes-watching inspiration; and let us know if you have any other tips for watching the Ashes…

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5 Aug

Dinosaurs in London

Posted by Lettice in Attractions No Comments

Scary t Rex at the Natural History Museum

Dinosaurs are taking over London! We’ve met dinosaurs at The Proms and Walking with Dinosaurs arrives at The O2 tonight.

Are you planning to see Walking with Dinosaurs at The O2 or Wembley Arena? You’ll see full size dinos roaring and fighting on stage!

If you love dinosaurs, head to either the Natural History Museum or Crystal Palace Park before the show for more prehistoric scares.

The Natural History Museum is home to an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils. Get close to dinosaur skeletons and explore the science behind these big creatures. What does dinosaur skin look like? Did you know that there are still dinosaurs alive on earth today? What did they eat and will they eat you? Find out the answers to all your dinosaur questions at the Natural History Museum.

If you want to meet dinosaurs in the wild, visit Crystal Palace Park. These life size sculptures were built by the Victorians and you’ll find them lurking in the woods like a real life Jurassic Park. Scientific understanding about dinosaurs has moved on a bit since these dudes were created so there’s a few funny faces and poses, but they’re still scary and huge.

Entry to the Natural History Museum and Crystal Palace Park is free. It’s not too late to book tickets for Walking With Dinosaurs.

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2 Aug

Cal Jader’s Guide to Latin American London

Posted by Jenny in London 1 Comment

Dancers at Carnaval del Pueblo

Carnival del Pueblo is upon us, and if the day of colour, music and fun is over too soon, you can keep the Latin spirit alive with DJ Cal Jader’s guide to the best Latin American nights and venues in London.

1.  Movimientos
I might be biased, but Movimientos live music nights get my vote! They take place at the Notting Hill Arts Club, and Dalston’s Passing Clouds, and are a unique showcase of all types of Latin and global music. You can hear sets from me, Clem George and other guests bringing in the sounds of the Latin underground. Plus, Muevete is its sister Saturday night.

2.  Viva La Revolucion!
Fridays Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s sees the Viva La Revolucion team present the finest Cuban Son, salsa and flamenco jam sessions with regular guests Son De Havana, Susana Lang Lenton and Motimba.

3.  La Bomba
At SeOne and Ministry of Sound, DJs Jose Luis, El Moreno and Julian M host London’s No.1 Latin urban meltdown mixing reggaeton, salsa and merengue with R&B, hip hop and commercial beats, plus occasional special live reggaeton PAs from international guests. Don’t miss La Bomba!

4.  Arriba La Cumbia
The Hackney Globe Trotter (aka Russ Jones) brings his irreverent spin on the world of Cumbia with a night of tropical, ranking and skanking Latin mayhem with live guests and DJs.  

5.  Latin Mafia
Brand new night at the Old Queens Head from 23 August. Afro-Cuban funk and fusion band Los Esputniks, featuring Clem George and Koichi Sakai, will host a Latin-themed jam session. 

6.  Fiesta Sun Bailante
The hardest working promoters in town recently moved their Tropical themed party to the Ruby Lo in Central London where you are guaranteed popular Latin, Caribbean and global beats all night, plus occasional live guests.  

7.  Camino
Camino’s summer series, Fiesta en La Calle hosted by Movimientos, continues on 12 September. JungleDrums magazine also host a showcase of live Brazilian music once a month. There are also numerous other DJ nights and live nights at Camino, one of London’s finest Spanish bar and restaurants. 

8.  Guanabara
With live music pretty much guaranteed every night regular house bands complement the international guests that jet in from Brazil to perform at London’s premier Brazilian themed club, Guanabara.

9.  Favela Chic
Regular live music and jam sessions during the week while on the weekend, DJs including Gringo do Parada mix up Brazilian and Latin with pop, dance and electro! 

10.  Cubana
Cubana is a Cuban themed restaurant and bar hosts regular live salsa nights at the weekends…

Thanks to Cal for sharing his tips with us! Check out Visit London’s guide to Latin American London for more ideas…

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30 Jul

Get Your Free Tickets to the World Freerunning Championships in London

Posted by Zoe J. Griffiths in Sport 5 Comments

Claudiu Voicu - Urban FreeflowWe’ve had exciting sports news all over the capital in the last couple of weeks. From the Athletics Grand Prix to the Olympic Stadium to the Rugby World Cup, sport in London has never looked so strong.

And this trend continues. Trafalgar Square has long been host to some of the world’s coolest events. And this summer is no exception.

Alongside the current excitement of the Fourth Plinth, on Saturday 15 August you can also watch the World Freerunning Championships, for free!

Simply register for free tickets through Facebook. You only need to hand over your name, email and postal address… but you’ll need to be quick! There are just 7,000 places, and you have to register before Wednesday 5 August to be in with a chance of a ticket.

This is only the second year the World Freerunning Championships have taken place.

If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket, you’ll see 27 freerunners from 17 different countries tackling a specially designed course in Trafalgar Square, showcasing their creativity and the physicality of freerunning.

We’re sure there’ll be a brilliantly exciting “don’t try this at home” feeling to the whole afternoon.

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24 Jul

iTunes Festival: Graham Coxon and Esser

Posted by Jenny in Music 1 Comment

Graham Coxon at The Roundhouse

Hooray for the iTunes Live London Festival, which has been brightening up the summer with a whole month of free gigs. The festival is now in its third year, and has managed to outdo itself with the line-up, which includes Placebo, Kasabian, Bat for Lashes and Block Party.

It’s even generated a few headlines after Liam Gallagher was rumoured to have stormed off stage earlier this week!

I couldn’t wait to see Graham Coxon take his turn on the Roundhouse stage, no doubt getting us all dancing to Freakin’ Out, especially after Blur’s amazing performance at Glastonbury last month.

Esser at The Roundhouse

However, Coxon stuck to new material, playing his concept album The Spinning Top in its entirety (bar one song). And sadly, I didn’t actually see him, as he sat down for most of the gig, putting him out off eyeshot for us short people!

But I did get to have a bit of dance thanks to indie-electro star Esser who was supporting Coxon. His singles Satisfied and Headlock were  particular highlights.

Even though I didn’t hear my favourite Graham Coxon tunes, I’d still thoroughly recommend the  iTunes Festival.  You don’t often see big name acts for free and the Roundhouse is a great venue.

Have you been to the iTunes Festival? Let us know who you liked.

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