A review of Helen Levitt: In the Street, a retrospective at the Photographers Gallery in London. A record of a childhood that is now increasingly rare, especially with the effects of the pandemic. Helen Levitt: In the Street I didn’t think I knew the work of Helen Levitt, but there were definitely a couple of […]
A review of Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens, on now at the British Library. An interesting insight into private lives marred by public duties and political intrigues. Elizabeth And Mary Hello British Library, it’s been a while. I haven’t posted about an exhibition I’ve seen here since 2017. I actually really rate this […]
A review of Witness For The Prosecution, a courtroom drama by Agatha Christie. Such an atmospheric setting, worth it for the glimpse into County Hall alone! Theatre At London’s County Hall *Disclaimer*: Witness For The Prosecution is one of those plays where they urge audiences not to reveal the storyline. They even promote #sworntosecrecy on […]
A description of a visit to Saltaire, a Victorian model village centred on Titus Salt’s immense woollen mill. This UNESCO World Heritage site gives an interesting insight into the intersection of 19th Century philanthropy and business, and 20th Century regeneration. Who Was Titus Salt And What Is Saltaire? On a recent seasonal visit to Yorkshire […]
A review of Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life, at The Hepworth Wakefield. This large-scale retrospective marks the gallery’s tenth anniversary. Great to see so many interesting loans; but I think I prefer my exhibitions with a smaller scale and a specific focus. Barbara Hepworth At The Hepworth Wakefield The Hepworth Wakefield celebrated its tenth anniversary […]
A small exhibition of works by Kehinde Wiley at the National Gallery encourages contemplation of the meaning behind his recentering of Black men and women in Western art history. Food for thought. Kehinde Wiley At The National Gallery I wrote recently about how exhibitions at the National Gallery are often very academic, and best treated […]
A review of Operation Mincemeat, on at the Southwark Playhouse. What better way to tell an absolutely madcap story than through musical theatre? Operation Mincemeat It’s one of those stories that is so crazy, it has to be true. During WWII, the Allies wanted to invade Sicily (some sort of strategic importance, not entirely important […]
A review of Benjamin Franklin House, the only remaining house in the world to have been home to the American statesman and inventor. A real hidden gem, and fascinating insight into London’s history. Benjamin Franklin For someone so associated with America and in particular Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin sure spent a lot of time in London. […]
A review of the Foundling Museum’s exhibition Fighting Talk, a unique opportunity to hear a Foundling’s life story in his own words. From Foundling Hospital to the Battle of Trafalgar to a place as a Greenwich Pensioner, George King’s life reads like an adventure story. Back at the Foundling Museum It has been a while […]
A review of Peggy For You, the last of Hampstead Theatre’s season of ‘originals’. This comedic portrait of real-life agent Peggy Ramsay is affectionate yet honest, with a top-notch performance by Tamsin Greig. Alan Plater on Peggy Ramsay Peggy Ramsay was a force to be reckoned with. Her life, ironically enough, sounds like a character […]
