Cultural Highlights of 2019

This is a little later than intended. I had hoped to post my cultural highlights of 2019 before the year ended.  But with one thing and another, 2019 became 2020 and I hadn’t even opened my laptop.  I think that is maybe a good thing.

Anyway, I do enjoy looking back at all the exhibitions, films, plays and other cultural delights which have made my heart sing over the year.  It is a good way of realising how much I managed to do and a lovely reminder of some very happy times.

It is always hard to choose favourites but after much thought and consideration these are my cultural highlights of 2019.

FILM: Little Women

This was tricky, because although I managed lots of cinema visits last year, and enjoyed everything I saw, there was not really one stand out film.  I settled on Little Women because it was beautifully shot and I thought a lovely retelling of the original story.  It was also made extra special as I saw it with my Mum who introduced me to Louisa May Alcott and Little Women many, many years ago.

THEATRE: Romeo and Juliette at the Royal Opera House

Absolutely and without question this was the most fabulous production of the year for me.  It was performed by the Royal Ballet. The choreography by Kenneth Macmillan was so clever and it was not at all difficult to follow the events of the ‘greatest love story of all time’  The scenes with solo performances by Romeo and Juliet were breathtaking and full of intensity and feeling. The fluidity of the dancers and the emotions created through their interpretation of this story were glorious in every way. Tears were shed.

EXHIBITION: Manolo Blahnik at The Wallace Collection 

Again difficult to decide as I have seen some great exhibitions this year, but I think my standout favourite for its originality alone was Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection.  I do love a shoe and these are some of the most exquisite shoes around against the backdrop of the fabulous Wallace Collection.  It was also remarkably uncrowded which meant I could view the shoes from all angles fantasising about which I would / could wear…

GALLERY OR MUSEUM: Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, St Ives.

I have loved The Garden Museum this year and it was certainly one of my Quiet London discoveries of 2019.  British Flower Week there was a complete joy. However, nothing can compare to the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and Museum.  I had longed to go for some time and seeing her beautiful sculptures against the backdrop of the cornish landscape where they were born was very special. The sculptures were brought to life for me, and being amongst them was one of the gentlest and happiest afternoons of the year for me.

LITERARY EVENT: Janet Ellis at Chiswick Book Festival and Alexander McCall Smith at Daunt Books.

Joint winners, I just couldn’t decide.  Both have the gift of telling stories and bringing their work to life not only on the page but verbally too.  I have been a fan of McCall Smith’s Ladies Detective Series for a very long time but this was the first time I had heard him speak about his work. He was erudite, funny and completely entertaining.  I came away wanting to read everything he has ever written.  Janet Ellis was equally entertaining and such a kind and generous speaker as she talked about her second  novel and shared so much about her life in front of the camera.

RESTAURANT: The Sea The Sea, Pavilion Road Chelsea.

This is a new category, but one of mine and my husbands aims this year was to visit a new restaurant each month. We managed about 7 out of the 12 months so didn’t do terribly well.  But we did discover The Sea The Sea.  This little restaurant is a fishmongers by day and sea food restaurant by night.  The dishes we had were all equally inventive and delicious, the restaurant was relaxed and  the service was just the right side of helpful without being obtrusive.  A further visit this year is certainly on the cards.

I would love to know what your cultural highlights were or any recommendations you have for 2020