Spring has well and truly sprung and with it comes a cavalcade of uplifting cultural happenings. Back-to-back bank holidays may inspire the odd weekend trip, although there is well and truly no shortage of fun to be found right here in London. Whether you’re in search of creative family outings, stand-out musical events, or a splash of nature in the city, our guide to the season has got you covered…

 

Alice Neel: Hot Off the Griddle

The Barbican | On through 21^st May, 2023

 

Alice Neel may not be a household name in the UK, but those who see her latest show at The Barbican will be hard-pressed to forget her. Born in the year 1900, her remarkable career spans the better part of the last century, expressively capturing the waves that rippled through American society along the way. As a portraitist, Neel characterises herself as “a collector of souls” – and an afternoon amidst her finest work reveals just how eminent a collector she was. It’s difficult to leave the show uninspired by her ability to capture a person’s – and, indeed, a moment’s – essence, as well as her freewheeling passion for life and those who animate it.

 

Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road

The O2 | 30^th May, 2023

 

This season marks the final tour of musical icon, Elton John. After more than half a century of performances, he’s putting on just one more show that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. As always, you can expect the unexpected, with outlandish outfits, heartfelt side stories, and unforgettable singalongs. As you’d imagine, tickets are disappearing quickly so best to reserve your spot now.

 

Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney

The Wallace Collection | On through 15^th October, 2023

 

This exhibition is not only a delight, thanks to its beloved subject matter, but also a journey through the work of various eminent artists. The show provides an opportunity to view the artists and their work through a new and intensely relatable lens. Despite the canine focus, the effect is a palpably human sense of connectivity running through ages and oeuvres. Visitors are sure to leave with a smile on their faces and a fresh take on some truly exceptional artists.

 

London Craft Week

Citywide | 8^th – 14^th May, 2023

 

Once again, the city is set to come alive with a cast of inspiring events showcasing the beauty and ingenuity of craft. From far-reaching brands to up-and-coming makers, the week is sure to open many eyes to the wonder of craft in all its forms. We’ll be taking part in our own way by bringing our Specialist Finishing department to our Pimlico Road shop. They’ll be holding live demonstrations of their process from Tuesday 9^th – Saturday 13^th May, and we invite all curious parties to pop by and see them in action!

 

Andy Warhol: The Textiles

Fashion and Textiles Museum | On through 10^th September, 2023

 

We typically associate Andy Warhol with his bold Pop Art prints or even his indelible work with Interview magazine. Less know are his textiles, which have only recently received attention as a precursor to many of his better-known artistic contributions. This fresh take on his oeuvre is packed with punchy, uplifting patterns which cast the enigmatic and often edgy artist in a new light – one of ice cream sundaes and toffee apples. It makes for a fantastic family outing full of pieces that are perhaps simpler to explain to the little ones than his later, more ‘conceptual’ work.

 

Coronation of King Charles III

Westminster Abbey | 6^th May, 2023

 

It’s not every day that a nation is invited to observe history in the making. Though we may not all be able to swipe a seat within the Abbey itself, everyone is welcome to watch the processions and greet the newly crowned King. The procession will kick off at 10:20am on Saturday 6^th May and run from Buckingham Palace, along The Mall to Trafalgar Square, then down Whitehall to Westminster Abbey. The procession is expected to finish at the Abbey just before 11:00am. Arrive early to take up a spot with a view along The Mall or Whitehall. The area will be filled on a first come first served basis, so best to get a jump on the crowds if you’re keen! Once those strips are fully occupied, newcomers will be directed to designated screening areas within Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park. The coronation itself will run until 1:00pm, after which point there will be a procession along the same route back to Buckingham Palace. The King will then step out onto the balcony to greet the crowds and watch as hundreds of planes fly above at 2:30pm, marking the end of ceremonies.

 

Chelsea Flower Show

The Royal Hospital Chelsea | 23^rd – 27^th May, 2023

 

With the sun striding out from its months-long hibernation, there’s nothing quite like getting outside to soak up a garden in bloom. The Chelsea Flower Show promises the finest examples, filled with creative landscaping, chromatic planting patterns, and a whole slew of festivities to amplify the mood of the season. Book your tickets now to experience the joys of nature in the city.

 

Ai Weiwei: Making Sense

The Design Museum | On through 30^th July, 2023

 

We can always count on the Design Museum to bring together thought-provoking exhibitions rooted in everyday life. In their latest show, they’ve worked directly with internationally acclaimed artist, Ai Weiwei to gather fragments of history – distant and recent, cherished and overlooked – to sketch an image of our contemporary values through the objects we design. It’s a fascinating offering which, true to the artist’s form, is sure to bring up much discussion around the dinner table.

 

Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance

The Victoria & Albert Museum | On through 11^th June, 2023

 

This eye-opening event is the very first major UK exhibition of Donatello’s work. His skill and ability to bring stone to life will bowl visitors over. Often considered the best sculptor of all time, Donatello left a body of work which not only characterises Renaissance art, but casts a long shadow into present day sculpting. The exhibition contextualises his practice within history and reveals exactly how his sculptures and reliefs live on in the contemporary landscape.

 

 

 

Text by Annabel Colterjohn