Visiting art galleries and museums are amongst my favourite things to do, particularly when I have a day off during the week. My ideal day in London would involve, coffee, an almond croissant, a wander through some quiet streets, a book shop and an exhibition. This is the way I have spent many happy days. I now appreciate how special those days were, and like so many things, how much I took them for granted.
We have all missed lots of different things whilst embracing others during this enforced period of social isolation. Family and friends will always be top of the list of things most missed. Following closely though is the freedom to visit a gallery on a whim. (I know living in London means I have far more freedom to do this than many, even in normal times).
For me, there is something very special and invigorating about being amongst great art and creativity. I certainly draw a particular kind of energy from it. Strolling through the cool white galleries at Tate Britain or meandering around one of the latest exhibitions at The Royal Academy or getting lost amongst the myriad of exhibits at the Victoria and Albert museum is a luxury and one I will very much look forward to the return of.
Thankfully there are still ways to enjoy art, even from the comfort of our own homes. Many of London’s major galleries have very generously provided ways of visiting online art. They have come up with creative ways of engaging with art and lots of ideas for creating art.
The Royal Academy
As far as I’m concerned The Royal Academy has been an absolute star in its provision of an absolute visual feast of artistic treats
I watched The David Hockney Documentary just a few days ago. I am a fan of his work, but even if you are not you cannot fail to be moved by the generous nature and immense talent of the man. One of the most memorable exhibitions I’ve ever visited was David Hockeny’s Bigger Picture and this was a perfect way to revisit this and learn from David Hockney about how it was put together
We should have been visiting Monet’s garden in Giverny in just a few weeks. I have wanted to visit for so long, but sadly, like many things that’s no longer possible. So I am especially happy to be able to watch the documentary. ‘Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse’
I came so close to seeing Picasso and Paper but never quite made it before lockdown happened. So again I was thrilled to be able to get a lovely taste of it via this film and the kindness of The Royal Academy
The Tate
The Tate should have been showing Andy Warhol at the moment. It was due to be on until September so who knows, maybe we will still get a chance to see it. However if you are a pop art fan than have look at the curators tour and explore the exhibition via the website
The Tate is also providing some brilliant resources for creating art with children at Tate Kids. Many of the suggestions are equally suitable for adults
The Hayward Gallery
Among the Trees at The Hayward Gallery was another exhibition that I was about to visit before things closed. I’m so sad I didn’t get to see this and remain hopeful that It may still continue when lockdown ends. In the mean time The Hayward Gallery website is packed with videos, podcasts and information and images all relating to the exhibition. At at a time when I think an appreciation of nature has become more significant for so many, this is an especially timely exhibition to explore.
And finally….
I have just discovered this podcast ‘Meet Me at the Museum’ from The Art Fund. Well known names visit their favourite museums with a friend. A chance to learn about the museum and earwig on general chatter between friends. I love the one with Mel Giedroyc at Pitzhanager Manor and Gallery. Its a museum close to where I live, and one I know well. (The image at the beginning of the post is from Pitzhanger)
If you have found other ways of discovering and enjoying art during this time, I would love to know about it. Leave your comments below.
