London’s not much for outdoor pursuits in the winter. That said, it is buzzing with indoor attractions at the moment. We’re looking forward to a season of inspiring design events, thought-provoking art exhibitions, and outstanding performances. We’ve pulled together a brief handbook of the best cultural events in London this winter. Read on to start filling your diary with the good stuff…
Our Cloud console with a Kintsugi Moon top
COLLECT is a worldclass contemporary craft and design fair that brings fresh ideas to Somerset House every year. It’s a true fixture for us, whether we’re simply taking in the brilliant work of others or contributing furniture to support certain galleries and makers.
It inspired and gave birth to the Cloud “Kintsugi” console table which Tom designed for the Five collective in 2023. So called because it had a ‘Moon’ top of hammered steel, which was spliced and reassembled with brass welding resembling golden ‘kintsugi’ joinery.
We so enjoy being part of these makers’ stories, bringing our own design language in to complement their museum-quality work.
Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
For those with an eye for interiors, London Design Week is a major date on the calendar. It’s an excellent stop to make for inspiration and intrigue, whether you’re in the design industry or not. Their extensive schedule of talks raises new perspectives, evoking much conversation with thoughtful Q&A follow-ups. It’s well worth taking at least an afternoon to stroll through.
David Hockney’s ‘Henry Geldzahler and Christopher Scott’ (1969)
David Hockney is one of the UK’s most beloved artists. His work carries a certain crisp modernity, masterfully harnessing colour to set calming, contemplative tones. This exhibition is set to be a meditation on painting and the subtle art of observation. The Serpentine worked in close collaboration with the artist to build it from the ground up, centring the show around his 90m long frieze entitled ‘A Year in Normandie’. It was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, which will simultaneously be on view at the British Museum. How fitting.
Tracey Emin’s ‘I Never Stopped Loving You’ (2010) at Droit House in Margate
The Tate is ringing in their 2026 programme with a rich retrospective of Tracey Emin’s career-defining works. From her much adored neon textual works, to her more controversial installations like ‘My Bed’, this is primed to be a highly engaging show. It will also include new sculptures, which will no doubt offer a jumping-off point for considering her work within the overall trajectory of her artistic practice.
Nan Goldin’s ‘The Ballad of Sexual Dependency’ alongside work by Antonio Caballero at the 2012 BIP
Nan Goldin’s ‘Ballad of Sexual Dependency’ acts as a time capsule – one filled with many characters we’ll easily recognise. The collection of photographs was shot between 1973 and 1986, capturing the energy of the era found in downtown New York. As we approach the 40th anniversary of its initial publication as a photobook, Gagosian has formatted its contents across the walls of its Davies Street gallery, inviting us to experience this intimate portrait of a cultural epoch in a more spatial sense.
Beatriz González’s ‘El Altar’ (1990)
Beatriz González may not be a household name in the UK, but in her native Colombia, she’s simply known as ‘la maestra’. Her multi-media, pop-art-inflected works address the country’s decade-long civil war in vivid tones and geometric schemes. For her first UK solo show, the Barbican will display 150 artworks produced from the 1960s up to today, offering a rich picture of the artist’s politically poignant practice.
The Royal Opera House
Woolf Works is the product of some of the brightest sparks working in performance today. Wayne McGregor concocted the choreography, with Max Richter conjuring an original score to accompany. The dancers move like mercury in their telling of Virginia Woolf’s genre-bending stories. The result brings a contemporary feel to this ballet triptych drawing from ‘Mrs Dalloway’, ‘Orlando’, and ‘The Waves’. Closing night is fast-approaching so we’d recommend moving quickly to catch this one.
Wyndham’s Theatre
Inter Alia is BAFTA award-winning playwright, Suzie Miller’s account of a woman attempting the delicate feat of navigating her career as a judge amidst the ever-pressing demands of life. Rosamund Pike throws the character into high relief, while capturing the subtleties of a complex inner world. This limited run follows a sold-out stint at the National Theatre and is sure to be a hot ticket. We’d advise claiming a seat early if you’re hoping to catch its comeback.
Text by Annabel Colterjohn
