Writing in collaboration with Short Let London – providers of a range of short let London apartments perfect for basing your arty adventure from – is published writer, enthusiastic traveller and art lover, Maya Verber. Here she offers up her top picks when it comes to exploring London’s extensive art scene….
Art lovers are truly spoilt for choice for in London; from the high-profile galleries displaying world-famous masterpieces to chic, independent exhibitions with a difference, there is truly something for everyone in the UK’s capital city. Planning an arty trip? I’d recommend you set aside at least a few days, or even a week, to explore London’s art scene. The vast range of exhibitions, styles and galleries means that to do it in any less time is to sell yourself short! Here are my favourite arty hotspots, to give you the best chance of finding your favourite during your time in London…
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The Wallace Collection
This is a national museum that displays the remarkable collection of eighteenth and nineteenth century artworks owned by Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess of Hertford. Works by Titan, Rembrandt, Hals and Velazquez are all available to view in this historic London townhouse, while free art classes, workshops, talks and tours truly bring these European artworks to life.
Johnny Van Haeften
At the other end of the spectrum lies Johnny Van Haeften, a small, independent gallery based in Mayfair. This gallery displays a collection of Dutch and Flemish Old Master paintings that rivals the National Galleries. Pore over magnificent works by Gerard Ter Borch and Jan Steen. Saturday visits are by appointment only here, so be sure to call and let the gallery know if you are planning to visit.
The Photographer’s Gallery
What about The Photographer’s Gallery, which is just off Oxford Street? An eclectic mix of renowned photographers and up-and-comers, this is a collection worth seeing. Upcoming exhibition, Home Truths explores the stereotypes surrounding motherhood and looks set to be amazing!
The Serpentine Gallery
The Serpentine Gallery, located in Kensington Gardens, is one of London’s most forward-thinking art establishments. The focus lies on modern and contemporary art and the gallery has exhibited pieces by Man Ray, Damien Hirst, and Jeff Koons. Particularly worth viewing is this year’s Serpentine Pavilion. Each year, a different artist is chosen to design a temporary building for the lawn outside the gallery. This year’s offering comes in the form of a stunning lattice-like construction of steel poles by award-winning Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto.
The Tate Britain
Tate Britain in Pimlico offers up a comprehensive collection of British art from 1500 to the present day – a great pick for those just discovering their artistic soul.
Saatchi Gallery
Not far away, just off Chelsea’s Kings Road, the Saatchi Gallery – which reopened in October 2008 – is still enjoying unrivalled success in showcasing young and upcoming artists. The current exhibition, Paper, which will run until early November, features the work of 47 artists, each of whom uses the medium of paper in a different way.
So, there you have it, the artist guide to London around. While this list is no means exhaustive, it touches base with a whole range of galleries where you’ll not only be able to witness grandeur but find out about the stories behind the pieces you so love. Enjoy London, art lovers, I know I will!
11 Comments
Fildena-Online.Blogspot.Com
20 December, 2013 at 2:05 amVery cool!
Emma
12 October, 2013 at 11:40 amI’m happy to say I’ve been to all these galleries and I love them all! Great choice of photos!
Graham
12 October, 2013 at 12:58 pmThanks Emma!
Scott
12 October, 2013 at 11:21 amGood choices, the Saatchi Gallery and the Tate are my favourites.
Gabriel
9 October, 2013 at 6:46 pmSo much awesomeness in one area, can’t wait =)
Graham
9 October, 2013 at 9:07 pmEnjoy!
Laura
9 October, 2013 at 12:51 pmAmazing.. I remember going to The Wallace Collection and The Tate Britain during my visit to London in 2010. I can describe it using only one word, bliss.
Tiana Kai
8 October, 2013 at 4:52 pmLove these! Hope to go back to London and focus more on the culture, since I covered the nightlife enough last time. 😉
There’s also a Tate in St. Ives!
Graham
9 October, 2013 at 9:08 pmDefinitely a city that has a lot to cover, come back soon! 🙂
Lauren Meshkin
8 October, 2013 at 6:51 amThe Wallace Collection is one of my favorite lesser known museums in London, along with the Sir John Soane Museum.
Great list, thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy travels!
Graham
12 October, 2013 at 12:59 pmThanks Lauren, The John Soane museum is also a favourite of ours 🙂