The Big City at Guildhall Art Gallery

The Big City at Guildhall Art Gallery

Running until 30 July, ‘The Big City’ is a special exhibition exploring three themes of life in the City through large artworks. Grand Occasions portrays the City’s celebrations, Colossal Landscapes exhibits super-wide views of the City and Larger than Life focuses on everyday scenes of London. The exhibition celebrates the artists, past and present, who [...]

Charles Dickens’ London home and museum

Charles Dickens’ London home and museum

Note: Book ahead, walk ups will be accommodated subject to availability. At the age of 25, Charles Dickens rented (as was normal practice of the day) a large home in Doughty Street, London.  He did this, just as his writing career, under the pseudonym of ‘Boz’, was taking off.  Dickens lived here with his wife, [...]

Hallyu! The Korean Wave

Hallyu! The Korean Wave

New exhibition at the V&A. An interesting presentation of political, technological and social drivers and exhibits that have shaped the relatively new nation of South Korea. Particularly fascinating to see how technology and entertainment have driven the country from obscurity to international recognition. Running until 25 June 2023. Each side encouraging defectors from the south [...]

Hatton Garden – London’s diamond district

Hatton Garden – London’s diamond district

Every shop on the main thoroughfare of Hatton Garden is involved in the jewellery business. That’s around 200 outlets selling gold, silver and diamond adornments. Private security guards linger on street corners, awake to the threat of heists or hold-ups. But passing among them are couples who come here to shop, liking the choice and [...]

Drury Lane and the Theatre Royal

Drury Lane and the Theatre Royal

Renowned for being the home of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane has a colourful past stretching back to the fourteenth century. Named after Sir Thomas Drury, who built a house here during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, it peaked as a select and fashionable neighbourhood in C16-17. However, one hundred years later, it had [...]

London’s Christmas lights

London’s Christmas lights

Originally premiered on Regent Street in 1954, London’s Christmas lights are a much loved fixture of shoppers, photographers - and bloggers! Oxford Street caught up in 1959, before a hiatus during the 1970’s owing to austerity and power cuts. Today, the lights are LED units, consuming two-thirds the energy of electric bulbs. Here are a [...]

The must-see exhibits at the British Museum (part 2)

The must-see exhibits at the British Museum (part 2)

Welcome to part two of the ‘Must-see exhibits at the British Museum'!    Part one, published recently, explored the ground floor galleries.    Part two starts in Room 61 and will work clockwise around the entire first floor. Room 61 Here we find artefacts from the tomb of a senior (and very successful!) ‘financial book-keeper’ [...]

The must-see exhibits at the British Museum (Part 1)

The must-see exhibits at the British Museum (Part 1)

In Bloomsbury, London is the world’s finest collection of historical artefacts under one roof - and even the roof is a world-class masterpiece.    This article will highlight the must-see exhibits at the British Museum.    If you only have time to visit one museum or gallery, look no further. The British Museum The British [...]

The roof terrace of the Royal Opera House

The roof terrace of the Royal Opera House

During the fine weather this summer take advantage of the free panoramic views offered by the Piazza Terrace at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Unrivalled views over London’s most famous market, plus food and refreshments in this iconic building make it a special experience. You may also wish to book an operatic performance [...]