Art and Exhibitions through London's Holiday Season
Rivalling New York, Edinburgh, and Paris for classical charm and festivity, London brings something special this time of year. If you had to pin it on a few things, I’d reckon on the opulent window displays and the raging rush of holiday crowds bearing witness to Oxford Street’s Christmas lights. Or perhaps it's the Dickensian allure of the public houses and the unending and admittedly expensive Christmas markets on every corner.
Whether a native or a visitor, sometimes a bit of subtlety and stillness is necessary in this rush. London’s exhibits become sanctuaries this time of year, warm, contemplative, and ultimately a different, more breathable space. This blog spotlights just some of the very best London has to offer this festive season.
The Wallace Collection. - Photo Credit, ilandedhere
We can’t help but relish in a bit of proximity bias, turning our attention to Marylebone's Wallace Collection. A gem just minutes from the Christmassy glow of the High Street (and yours truly, Tracey Neuls), the Collection currently features Caravaggio’s Victorious Cupid, never before seen in public in the UK, and completely free in their exhibition gallery. Furthermore, both complementary and ticketed tours and talks are peppered all throughout December and January, which you shouldn’t miss.
A picture from my visit to Lee Miller at Tate Britain, Nov 24th.
No one doubts the ceaseless power Tate holds on London’s cultural bloodstream, consistently representing the very best worldwide art and photography. This season Lee Miller gets her praises sung at Tate Britain, with an explosive and extensive retrospective of her entire photography career. From her early days as a model to her war photography, this exhibit functions as a cohesive yet emotionally charged whiplash. French surrealism and high-fashion juxtapose the raw, unflinching realities of wartime Europe. It’s powerful, intimate, meticulously curated, and a must see.
Marie Antoinette Style. - Photo Credit, V&A
Marie Antoinette Style has swiftly become a V&A favourite for tourists and members alike, tracing quite possibly the most fashion-forward Queen in history. Interestingly, the exhibit moves beyond just archival gowns and glimmering possessions, but also details the lasting impact ‘Madame Défecit’ has left on film, couture, and pop culture. It’s the most glamorous and ‘mainstream’ exhibit on this list, but it's still one that’s worth relishing.
Blitz. - Photo credit, Luke Hayes
Lastly, and quite contrastingly from Marie Antoinette, Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s is taking centre stage at the Design Museum, offering a unique and vivid plunge into more contemporary fashion. The club is remembered with nostalgia and yearning, its scene a smorgasbord of influences from Bowie to Punk to Cabaret. The exhibit traces the club’s legacy, its birthing of stars, music, fashion, art, and pioneering graphic design. The curation feels particularly authentic due to the involvement of several ‘Blitz Kids’ who personally retold their narratives. If you’re craving a window into the electric 1980s of London and its clubs, this is the best place to be.
Written by Jason Cassar for Tracey Neuls Online.