C C Land: The Wonder of Art – A Bold New Era for the National Gallery

People gathered around front door of National Gallery Trafalgar Square

Posted: 11/12/2024

The National Gallery in London is turning the page to an extraordinary new chapter with its major redisplay, C C Land: The Wonder of Art. From 10 May 2025, visitors will be able to experience over 1,000 works in a spectacular reimagining of the gallery’s collection. It promises to be nothing short of breathtaking, combining centuries-old masterpieces with fresh loans and a modern, approachable visitor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or someone looking to dip their toe into the world of artistic marvels, this exhibition might just redefine what “a day at the gallery” means. More Than a Collection – A Chronological Journey Art aficionados love a bit of structure, and The Wonder of Art offers just that with a broadly chronological arrangement. The medieval and Renaissance masterpieces will find a home in the newly transformed Sainsbury Wing, while later works will be displayed in the iconic Wilkins Building. Alongside this timeline of artistic evolution, the redisplay will feature thematic highlights such as The Spectacle of Portraiture, Flowers, and Still Life, offering visitors a fresh way to interact with the works. But it’s not just about rearrangement. Some paintings will make their glorious returns after years of restoration, like the Pollaiuolo brothers’ The Martyrdom of San Sebastian (1475) and Jan van Eyck’s Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?) (1433), promising to wow us with their renewed vibrancy. The Masters—And a Few Surprises For the first time in the National Gallery’s history, visitors can see works by certain artists grouped in dedicated, single-artist rooms…. Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

Tags: london, London art, national gallery

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

by James Banham

Posted: 12/11/2024

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON, MUSIC

Tags: Labyrinth, london, London music

British Museum gets a new leader

by James Banham

Updated: 22/11/2024

Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE has been appointed as the new Director of the British Museum, following the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees and the agreement of the Prime Minister. With a wealth of experience and a track record of transformative leadership in the art world, Nicholas is set to spearhead a new era for one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions. A Visionary Leader in the Making Nicholas Cullinan is renowned as one of the UK’s most esteemed museum directors, having steered the National Portrait Gallery to new heights since April 2015. His tenure at the Gallery marked a period of significant change, characterized by a complete re-presentation of the Collection and a substantial redevelopment of the building that expanded public space by a fifth. Prior to his role at the National Portrait Gallery, Nicholas curated exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Tate Modern in London, showcasing his international perspective and innovative approach to curation. Embracing a New Chapter at the British Museum Taking the helm from Interim Director Sir Mark Jones, Nicholas Cullinan steps into the role with a clear mandate for progress and innovation. George Osborne, Chair of the British Museum, expressed utmost confidence in Nicholas’s ability to lead the institution into a transformative phase. Osborne remarked, “Nicholas Cullinan brings proven leadership today and great potential for tomorrow. His remarkable achievements at the National Portrait Gallery have earned him universal acclaim, and we believe he will continue this legacy at the… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, HISTORY, LONDON

Tags: Best Museum London, British Museum, london, museums, Nicholas Cullinan

The World Press Photo Exhibition returns to London

by James Banham

Updated: 24/03/2024

After a notable absence of seven years, the acclaimed World Press Photo Exhibition is making its much-anticipated return to London. This prestigious event is set to unfold at Borough Yards, Dirty Lane, London, SE1 9AD, from Friday, 3rd May, to Monday, 27th May 2024. Renowned for its role in highlighting the apex of photojournalism and documentary photography globally, the World Press Photo Contest is at the heart of this exhibition, showcasing a captivating array of powerful images. Tickets for this must-see exhibition are now available for purchase, offering attendees an extraordinary opportunity to engage with compelling stories and perspectives from around the globe. The World Press Photo Foundation’s core mission is to foster a deeper connection between individuals and the significant narratives shaping our world. Visitors are encouraged to transcend the everyday news cycle and critically reflect on diverse issues, facilitated by an extensive collection of high-quality visual stories aimed at enriching and enlightening viewers. The foundation, established in 1955, has a long history of celebrating outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography. Annually, the competition highlights the previous year’s most impactful works, bringing them to the attention of millions worldwide. With the exhibition travelling to over 60 cities across more than 40 countries, its influence and reach are truly remarkable. London Exhibition Director, Woody Anderson, spoke of the event’s unique position within the realm of visual storytelling, emphasizing the dedication and often hazardous efforts photographers undertake to capture these poignant moments. He remarked on the exhibition’s remarkable capacity to evoke a shared consciousness and bring critical… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: london, London exhibitions, London photography, Press photos, World Press Photo Exhibition

Hear from New York City Ballet soloist Sara Adams

by THE F

Posted: 03/03/2024

The celebrated New York City Ballet (NYCB) is set to make its highly anticipated debut at Sadler’s Wells in March 2024, showcasing an array of works that signal both a nod to its storied past and a leap into the future. Among the slated UK premieres are pieces by the creative minds of Kyle Abraham, Justin Peck, and Pam Tanowitz, alongside a revered classic from the company’s co-founder George Balanchine. This marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time the company has graced a London stage since 2008, during its landmark 75th anniversary celebrations. NYCB stands as a beacon of contemporary ballet, distinguished by its remarkable speed, musicality, and avant-garde style. Founded in 1948 by the legendary George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, the company has tirelessly pushed the boundaries of ballet into new realms, maintaining its reputation as one of the premiere institutions in the world of dance. Justin Peck’s Rotunda, with its dynamic commissioned score by Nico Muhly and a vibrant ensemble of 12 dancers, embodies the innovative spirit at the heart of NYCB. Peck, who has amassed an impressive portfolio of over 20 works for the company alongside notable external projects, continues to solidify his role as a pivotal figure in modern choreography. Balanchine’s Duo Concertant, a striking duet accompanied by two onstage musicians, revisits the thematic and musical brilliance of Igor Stravinsky, a highlight from the legendary Stravinsky Festival of 1972. Balanchine, a towering figure in 20th-century ballet, leaves an indelible mark on NYCB, ensuring his foundational… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LONDON

Tags: Best London theatre, london, London theatre guide, new york city, Sadler's Wells, Where to see ballet

Pride Month: unveiling a new chapter, Pride Action North

by James Banham

Posted: 30/06/2023

In alignment with the closing of Pride Month, we are excited to announce a major rebranding of Northumberland Pride, a leading LGBTQIA+ charity. To better reflect our expanded services and broader geographical reach, we are now Pride Action North. Founded in 2017, Northumberland Pride started as a volunteer-driven initiative to organize an annual celebration for the local community. Since then, it has grown exponentially, now employing eight dedicated staff members to cater to the increased demand for specialized support and advocacy. Our services extend to various critical areas such as youth work, domestic violence, hate crime, and mental health and wellbeing. The transformation to Pride Action North is not just a name change, but a comprehensive brand makeover that includes a new mission statement, values, and soon, a revamped website. Darren Irvine-Duffy, the charity’s chair, shared, “From our humble beginnings as a local pride event organizer, we’ve evolved into an organization that provides holistic support and meaningful services. Our aim is to ensure every member of our growing community feels accepted and safe.” The rebranding represents a significant milestone in our history. Under the banner of Pride Action North, we are enthusiastic about expanding our presence and support throughout the North. As our name suggests, we are committed to action, striving to make the region a safer, more inclusive, and accepting place for everyone, particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our rebranding process involved extensive engagement with service users, stakeholders, and staff through focus groups. The outcome is a reflection of their valuable insights and… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, LONDON

Tags: london, Pride in London, Pride Month, World Pride

National Gallery London’s Summer on the Square

The National Gallery London from the front with umbrellas and tables spread out in Trafalgar Square

by James Banham

Updated: 23/07/2022

This summer from 11 29 August in the heart of London, the National Gallery will host a free festival of immersive art, creativity and community. Summer on the Square (Trafalgar, that is), is a festival that’s a re-working of the Gallery’s art collection – creating an entirely new participatory set of experiences and activities that play with scale, spectacle and sound. Come along to immerse yourself in a purpose-built arts studio; participate in practical and walk-in art and sound installations; as well as sketching, making, moving, and exploring The National Gallery’s collection. The sessions will be free, drop-in and open to all ages and abilities. During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, the National Gallery hopes the festival will be an opportunity for local and London-wide communities to enjoy art and celebrate their own creativity with friends and family – creating a space for wellbeing and joy in tough times. For the full program and timings, head to the Summer on the Square website

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: london, London blog, london guide, National Gallery festival, National Gallery London's Summer on the Square, Summer on the Square, what to do london, What's on in London

Book of Man Festival London: What it is and what you need to see

by James Banham

Posted: 11/03/2020

Without men, we’d be nowhere. Primarily without penises we’d be nowhere. So, the Book of Man Festival exists in a way, to showcase man and engage them in a changing world. It’s about opening eyes, learning skills, understanding things and communicating about vulnerabilities and fears with friends, family and each other. Topic of one of the festival’s most outstanding events? Dicks, of course. Scroll down for more. For the festival; a series of events in London this March will be providing a chance to develop and enjoy new perspectives. 10TH MARCH – THE PENIS GALLERY X VAGINA MUSEUM Location: The Book Club, 7-9pm The Penis Gallery is returning after a highly successful night last year which showed penises in their (strictly flaccid) glory and featured a panel discussion about taboos and anxieties around the fellas. This will be with panelist Dr Chris Morriss-Roberts, who has studied and written about the role of penises in the locker room, and male body perceptions in general. We also have a further coup in welcoming artist Jamie McCartney, the man behind The Great Wall of Vagina, as well as his Penis Flags, is a man very much au fait with all genitalia matters. Buy tickets 16TH MARCH – HOW TO HAVE MORE AND BETTER SEX! Location: Rotate, 7-9pm In this interactive session we will tackle the new world of sex and dating. With the format of audience Q&A a top panel will discuss people’s bedroom issues, dating worries and generally give advice for better sex and happier relationships. For couples, singles,… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Book of Man, Book of Man Festival London what it is and what you need to see, Book of Man London, Cockart, london, Penises London

Free gay exhibition for London Pride: Kiss My Genders

by James Banham

Posted: 05/07/2019

Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery is offering free admission to all visitors for its latest exhibition, Kiss My Genders from 11am – 7pm on Saturday 6 July. The new exhibition Kiss My Genders is all about celebrating more than 30 international artists whose work explores and engages with gender identity. Spanning the past 50 years, Kiss My Genders brings together over 100 artworks by different generations of artists from around the world. Employing a wide range of approaches, these artists share an interest in articulating and engaging with gender fluidity, as well as with non-binary, trans and intersex identities. If acceptance, joy and tolerance are your thing, then this exhibition is for you. Give it a shot at the Southbank Centre and see more at the website.

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Gay London, Gay London blog, Kiss My Genders, london, London blogger, THE F Kiss My Genders, The F London

LONDON: Pop-up mixology classes to get you loose

by James Banham

Posted: 16/06/2019

Cocktails aren’t just for drinking, they’re for making, and there’s no one better to make your favourite libations with than Mixology Events. They’re putting on a summer affair this year if that’s your bag, across London, which involves flash classes in an eclectic selection of venues, from a Shoreditch rooftop to an art gallery in the heart of Fitzrovia. Each pop-up will place a distinct emphasis on learning how to master cocktail classics within a fun and unusual setting. The series kicks off on Friday 21 June with an al fresco ‘Summer Solstice Rooftop Masterclass’ that will focus on the art of perfecting classic summertime cocktails. It’ll go down at TT Liquor in Shoreditch and comes complete with views stretching across East London. Event number two is on Wednesday 24 July at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in Fitzrovia. It’s all about rum for rum month and will focus on good bevs for the London summer. And the best part is, these two summer events are just the start of what Mixology has to offer. From 7-11 August, there’s an espresso martini fest to educate drinkers about one of the world’ favourite cocktails. And then, they’re tacking on a food-focused instalment with supper clubs, joined by celebrated chefs that will focus on food and cocktail pairings in some swanky London venues. Tickets are priced at £70 per two-hour class, which includes 5 cocktails. Get your tickets here.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: How to make cocktails, london, London cocktail classes, London cocktails, London pop-up mixology classes, Pop up cocktail classes

Tag: london