With Autumn in the air, we’re getting back into the swing of city life. Languid summer evenings are giving way to nights at the theatre, followed by warming nightcaps and cosy conversation. To help you get into the spirit and embrace the change of pace, we’ve drawn together a succinct playbook for cultural activities across our TF showroom locations. Our roots are in London, but New York has become something of a second home to us with our space at 200 Lexington. As such, we’ve broadened our sights to offer up the best of both cities. Read on for the TF take…
Jaime Hayon’s ‘The Tournament’ at London Design Festival 2009
Those with an eye for design will be delighted by the rich offering of this year’s London Design Festival. No matter where you’re based in the city, there’s much to explore. From South Korean ceramics in Richmond to an immersive David Bowie exhibition in Highgate, there’s something for all tastes. The festival permeates our capital, with monumental public sculptures by the likes of Paul Cocksedge and Lee Broom peppering shared spaces. If you’ve yet to get out and explore, it’s well worth browsing what’s on before they wrap up on 21stSeptember.
Stereophonic play poster
Since its opening there’s been no shortage of buzz around the west end spectacle, Stereophonic. As we return to our regular rhythms, an evening at the theatre is just the thing to keep weeknights interesting. This show radiates 1970s rock and roll drama, with an incendiary tension not seen since the likes of Fleetwood Mac. With nothing but seasoned maestros at the helm, it’s no wonder Stereophonic is the most nominated play in Tony history. It now enters the homestretch of its run here in London, with its 22nd November closing night fast approaching.
This thought-provoking show combines the work of two artists to alchemical effect. When the sculptures of Alberto Giacometti and Mona Hatoum collide, they cast new perspectives into relief. Despite the artists’ differences upon first glance, we can begin to understand how common themes of displacement, violence, and hard-won strength of spirit permeate the forms which sprung forth from those experiences. The exhibition sparks original conversations which bring new light to the artistic process, as well as two of its great acolytes.
Lee Miller in Hitler’s Bathtub
Lee Miller has finally been getting her flowers. With a recent film starring Kate Winslet, this fascinating woman has at last entered the collective conversation. This exhibition traces the life of a model turned war photographer turned Surrealist through the art she created along the way. From her early days working with Man Ray, to her crowning moment in Hitler’s bathtub of all places, Lee Miller’s is a story well worth exploring.
Our specialist finisher, Sarah at work on a Memphis coffee table
What’s New What’s Next is right around the corner, with the big day taking place on 18th September. The New York Design Center is abuzz with designers preparing to place their latest and greatest centre stage. All are invited to come explore the next wave, as well as hear from those behind the scenes in a series of panel discussions. We’ll be holding live specialist finishing demonstrations, welcoming questions and encouraging those who’d like to have a go, themselves. Sarah, the artist behind these original hand-painted finishes, is flying over specially for the event, as are Tom and Miranda. We’ll be kicking off a touch early, with demonstrations running across Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th from 10am – 4pm. We hope you’ll pop in and say hello!
Tom’s photos of Richard Serra’s work
It’s no secret that Tom has a deep admiration for the work of Richard Serra. Over the years he’s made a point of exploring the great sculptor’s pieces across various locales, finding inspiration for his own furniture designs like the Edge dining table along the way. This particular exhibition presents a rare opportunity to see a series that’s never before been shown in the US. These three monumental steel forms are too large for most galleries, but Gagosian has managed to house them beautifully at their West 21st Street outpost. We’d highly recommend taking this chance to catch them while you can.
Seydou Keïta exhibition
Seydou Keïta was a true pioneer, not just of African photography, but of Modernist modes of expression. This Malian portraitist captured a period of profound flux across his native region, drawing the attention of a global audience in the process. Much of his work carries an aesthetic that sits at the confluence of cultures, yet revolves around a deeply intimate interface with each subject. The Brooklyn Museum has drawn together hundreds of examples, alongside newly released imagery and props which bring these suspended moments to life.
Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland is a rarity in so many senses of the word. First off, she’s one of very few dancers who carry a household name. Even those who’ve never been the ballet will know her for the legacy she’s created over the course of her career – and she’s only 43 years old. She made history as the first African American Principal Female Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Now, she’s closing her chapter with the company at their Fall Gala, where she’ll dance one final dance in her prestigious position. Whether you’re a devoted ballet aficionado or simply a lover of the arts, this is seismic event that’s sure to be remembered.
Text by Annabel Colterjohn
