This cinema rocks. With so many incredible films coming up and things getting very chilly outside, I wanted to share this little gem of a cinema with you. Tucked away in Kensal Rise, North London (only a 5 mins walk from the station), this small independent cinema gives you a unique cinema experience that's akin to watching a film in your front room. This 80-seater cinema is the UK’s first social enterprise cinema, with 100% of its profits going to support The Sustainability Institute, a pioneering sustainable living and learning centre based in rural Stellenbosch, South Africa. The Lexi offers a fantastic mix of blockbusters, arthouse films, live National Theatre and opera films and often has Q&A events with producers to inspire serious film buffs. The front of house and the bar is run by volunteers (myself included). With its recent extension, there is even more space to relax in the bar area, where you can mingle with an eclectic crowd of fellow theatregoers, while you admire the artwork on display. One of the best bits about The Lexi is that you can pop to the bar mid-performance, enjoy popcorn served in bowls, and drink coke from a glass bottle, while munching on as many jelly beans and as much organic chocolate as you desire. I also love the gorgeous ceiling lights, which continuously change colour to further enhance the magical atmosphere.
If you're not sure what you'd like to see, I'd recommend A Bigger Splash, Renoir: The Unknown artist, The Railway Children the upcoming live Met Opera screenings. For the full list of upcoming events, visit: https://thelexicinema.co.uk/special-events So, indulge in a bit of 'Lexi love' and spread the word about this great cinema! The Lexi Cinema 194B Chamberlayne Rd London NW10 3JU https://thelexicinema.co.uk Elinor Seath
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If you were inspired by the Great Pottery Throw Down or just want to learn a new craft, Cornish Pottery Holidays (www.CornishPotteryHolidays.co.uk) are now running luxury residential pottery holidays at the beautiful and secluded Primrose Cottage on the rugged Penwith peninsula in the far west of Cornwall.
Courses run for five full days and six nights and are designed for all levels of ability, from the experienced potter to the complete beginner. Sessions are for a maximum of 5 people and are taught by ceramics sculptor Caroline Winn, who used to work at the Tate and has run pottery courses for the National Trust, schools and galleries. Meals are freshly prepared and use the best ingredients from local suppliers, including the famous fish market in nearby Newlyn and the traditional butcher in Penzance. Primrose Cottage is a 200-year-old traditional Cornish house with all home comforts, set in a secluded 3-acre garden and lying in a moorland valley within walking distance of the famous cliffs and coves of the Penwith Peninsula. As well as creative inspiration, it offers peace and relaxation in exceptional surroundings. www.CornishPotteryHolidays.co.uk Source: Cornish Pottery Holidays.co.uk 2016 is set to be an exciting time for London’s vibrant art scene. Theo Dubroy, Head Concierge at The Arch London, is officially recognised as one of the finest Concierges in the UK, having been awarded the prestigious Golden Keys. For those who know their Matisse from their Monet, Theo shares his expertise with an itinerary for art enthusiasts visiting London in 2016.
For an aesthetic retreat in the capital, The Arch London features its own unique instalments whilst sitting just a stone’s throw from numerous acclaimed London galleries. A black and white ‘Alphatecture’ series of prints spans the length of the gallery-inspired hall, while a moving art installation illuminates the reception desk. Theo Dubroy says: “The Arch London is perfectly located close to London’s most prestigious art venues. The owners of hotel are also hugely passionate about art and we are fortunate to have specially curated artworks by British talents displayed in all the guestrooms and public areas. Vincent Poole’s “New Shoes” collage welcomes guests at the entrance to the hotel and is a visual homage to the designer boutiques surrounding the hotel; while above the concierge desk there is a moving art installation. The corridors have also been permeated with character, and Peter Defty’s black and white ‘Alphatecture’ series of prints span the length of the gallery-inspired hall leading towards the Martini Library.” 2016 London Art Events Calendar January Current - 28 Feb: Liberty in Fashion will be taking place at the Fashion and Textile Museum and will explore Liberty’s impact on the British fashion industry. 20 - 24 January: London’s Art Fair will take place at Islington’s Business Design Centre, where industry experts will speak while galleries exhibit. 30 January – 20 April: The exhibition, Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse, Royal Academy of Arts, will examine the role gardens played in the evolution of art from the early 1860s through to the 1920s. February 11 February – 22 May: Vogue 100: A Century of Style will take place at the National Portrait Gallery, and will showcase the remarkable range of photography that has been commissioned by British Vogue since it was founded in 1916. March 18 March – 9 October: Scottish Artists 1750-1900: From Caledonia to the Continent, held at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, will highlight the importance of artists whose work was shaped by the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment. April 16 April – 12 March 2017: Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear at the V&A Museum will display around 140 garments together with fashion plates, photographs and film and advertisements to introduce changing concepts of the ideal body. 5 April – 4 September: The Rolling Stones first major exhibition will be at the Saatchi Gallery. EXHIBITIONISM will display over 500 Rolling Stones artefacts from the band's personal archives. May 11 May – 25 September: Tate Britain will be holding the exhibition, ‘From the Pre-Raffelites to the Modern Age’, which will bring together photographs and paintings including Pre-Raphaelite, Aesthetic and British Impressionist works. 19 – 22 May: Somerset House will hold Photo London, an international photography event featuring over 80 exhibitors from vintage to contemporary. June 5 – 12 June: ArDe is a brand new contemporary architecture and design exhibition which will launch at Somerset House and will feature innovative and groundbreaking design solutions for living. July 6 July – 30 October: The American modernist artist, Georgia O’Keeffe, will be at Tate Modern a century after her New York debut. The exhibition is the first important solo institutional exhibition of the artist’s work in the UK for a generation. September 7 – 27 September: London Design Biennale will be held at Somerset House and will bring design installations and exhibitions from up to 40 of the world’s nations to the heart of the capital. 14 September – 8 January: In his first museum exhibition in London since 1952, the Tate Modern will showcase the works of Wilfredo Lam at The EY Exhibition: Wilfredo Lam. October 5 – 8 October: Frieze Art Fair: One of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs will be returning to London and will feature leading figures, philosophers, and critical theorists. Tickets will be released July 2016. 26 October - 5 March 2017: Paul Nash, one of the most distinctive and important British artists of the twentieth century, will have his work displayed at Tate Modern. December 1 December – 2 April 2017: Tate Modern will host the first UK exhibition of painter Robert Rauschenberg’s work for 35 years. Source: The Arch London
About the Wellcome Collection
The Wellcome Collection is often missed by those looking for a gallery to visit in London. Set within an impressive building opposite from Euston Station, the Wellcome Collection includes permanent exhibitions celebrating the life of its founder Henry Wellcome, while exploring issues relating to the human body and medicine. More than just a gallery, it is home to an expansive library and the Wellcome Trust (named after founder Henry Wellcome), which provides funds to provide research on human and animal health. What's On at the Wellcome Collection Throughout the year, the Wellcome Collection has a fantastic programme of touring exhibitions, all of which have a loose link with science and medicine. Having visited many times over the years, I have learnt about a variety of interesting topics including lucid dreaming, the history of drug taking and sexuality. I'd definitely recommend the Wellcome Collection to anyone seeking an alternative experience to traditional museums in London. Tibet's Secret Temple: Body, Mind and Meditation in Tantric Buddhism (From now until 28 Feb 2016) From now until 28th of February 2016, visitors to the Wellcome Collection can see the exhibition 'Tibet's Secret Temple: Body, Mind and Meditation in Tantric Buddhism', which explores Tibetan Buddhist yogic and meditational practice and their connections to physical and mental wellbeing. Inspired by a series of 17th century murals from a private meditation chamber for Tibet’s Dalai Lamas in Lhasa’s Lukhang Temple, the exhibition features 120 objects and ritual artefacts. Through these objects, visitors will uncover unseen stories behind the ancient practices illustrated in the Lukhang murals and show their relevance to meditative wellbeing.
‘I have seen in my wanderings great temples and shrines but none are as blissful as my own body’ - Mahasidda Saraha (18th century)
‘Having meditated on gentleness and compassion I have forgotten the difference between myself and others.’ - Milarepa (11th century)
What to expect at the exhibition...
As you enter the exhibition, there are two large screens showing different views of the same scene to instantly transport you to Tibet. There is a serenity to the film, which is evidenced in its slow pace and its focus on art, nature and people praying. In addition to the film, a vast map of Tibet, which covers an entire wall, further helps to set the scene. As you wander through the exhibition, you will learn about Tantric Buddhism through dramatic sculptures and detailed images of the body showing a complex networks of channels, which helps one understand how the Tibetan’s view disease as blocked energy channels, thereby highlighting the importance of yoga and breathing as an essential part in taking care of one's health. The exhibition finishes with stunning backlit murals, which influenced the exhibition, and a fascinating video presentation, which features academics and Tibetan masters talking about the benefits of meditation for both children and adults. Food for thought... The exhibition is punctuated with poignant quotes, which provides food for thought for the lesser mortals of this world -even if you have no idea what it truly means. After my visit, I came away feeling truly enlightened, which inspired me to add Tibet to my list of must-see places. I also made note of the upcoming Neuroplasticity and Meditation workshop in February 2016, so 2016 could be my most inspirational year yet! Elinor Seath For a list of upcoming events and exhibitions, visit www.wellcomecollection.org. Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Road London NW1 2BE Late at Tate Britain - The perfect cultural destination for an alternative night out in London18/11/2015 Searching for an alternative Friday night out in London, I found myself looking at gallery lates. I had a distant memory of playing a weird ball game one evening in a grand hall at the Victoria and Albert Museum, so I was looking for something similarly unique to enjoy. I searched Google for 'London museum and gallery lates' and I was overwhelmed by the amount of information that exists. After a considerable search, I discovered the The Body (November) exhibition at Tate Britain. It had something to do with bodies and DJ’s were playing, which was enough information to convince me. I happily found a willing friend to join me, who, incidentally had never been to the Tate Britain, shame on her! Status at Late at Tate Britain This season, Late at Tate Britain is inspired by the theme of ‘Status’, and each event will explore a different idea: Power (October), The Body (November) and Celebrity (December). The series will explore representations of status and its parallels with the Tate Collection, from historic royalty to YouTube fame.
Enjoy some fabulous art...
When we had finished the exhibition, we decided to take advantage of viewing the fabulous artworks on display. From modern sculptures to traditional paintings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. While sadly, the experience didn’t quite live up to our expectations, it still ticked the box for a great alternative night out and I am now on the search for more! Elinor Seath I don’t know about you but in the last couple of weeks I have been seriously mourning the end of summer. Last weekend I was working outside feeling cold, miserable and thinking; really is that it? I took my shivering, miserable self home, cancelled all social engagements and took solace in a hot bath with candles and started looking at holidays in the sun. Fast forward to last Friday. I had arranged to meet a friend for lunch, she’s a real foodie so I was in her hands as to where we would dine. Friday morning as the sun blasts through my bedroom window I get a text from said friend. Lets meet at Shoreditch House, bring your swimmers! I bounce out of bed and throw on my bikini as I don’t want to waste time in the changing room, dig out my summer dress that I had almost packed away for the year, and set off. Even though I am not a member of Shoreditch House, I am lucky enough to have been on a number of occasions. In fact, I was living on the same street as Shoreditch House when it first opened. I used to spend many a lazy Sunday morning lounging by the pool reading the papers and enjoying being served posh coffee with a friendly smile.
So, for those of you who are not familiar with this cool members bar in Soho, let me set the scene. Firstly on the street level, you wouldn’t know it existed as the entrance sits on a graffitied cobbled back street near Shoreditch High Street station. Once we were in, we passed floors with bars, restaurants, games rooms, lounging areas and meeting rooms. We headed straight for the rooftop where the outdoor heated pool was calling us. After enjoying an amazing swim, my bessie and enjoyed a fabulous poolside pizza. After an amazing day lounging by the pool, I happily skipped out onto the street, with a sun burnt face, wet hair and a massive smile on my face. My advice to you all is to join the club or find a friend who is a member and book in a sunny day to have a fabulous afternoon. Elinor Seath New cultural district set to embrace London’s river festival throughout SeptemberNine Elms is hosting an array of installations, exhibitions, walks and talks as part of Totally Thames. The area, which spans the border of Wandsworth and Lambeth, is perfectly positioned to enjoy some of the most diverse events within this year’s Totally Thames programme which will include more than 170 art and cultural events along a 42-mile stretch of London’s river. Last year’s giant wooden sculpture ‘HippopoThames’ by Florentijn Hofman captured the hearts of local residents and attracted interest from around the world. Following its success, another ‘first for London’ commission will be in Nine Elms on the South Bank throughout September. Internationally acclaimed underwater sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, will bring The Rising Tide to the foreshore neighbouring MI6 in Vauxhall. Four proud working horses and their riders pay homage to the industrial evolution of the Thames and the nomadic people who have travelled and traded on its shores for millennia. The Rising Tide highlights the role of the Thames as the lifeblood of London, shaping the city’s great history as a centre for culture, industry and commerce. Concealed and revealed by the tide, The Rising Tide is best viewed from the riverside walkway for up to two hours either side of low tide (see nineelmslondon.com/totallythames for tide times). Up river at Riverside Gardens at the base of The Tower – One St George’s Wharf, A Mile in My Shoes is the exciting debut exhibition for the Empathy Museum. Created in collaboration with local residents and members of the community, A Mile in My Shoes is an audio portrait presented to the public as an interactive shoe-shop. Visitors are invited to (quite literally) walk a mile in the shoes of a stranger while being immersed in a narrative of their life. The ‘shoe shop’ will be open from 4 – 27 September, midday to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Other opportunities to enjoy Totally Thames in Nine Elms on the South Bank include: · Figures on the Foreshore – a site-responsive artwork by Tim Davies, commissioned by Thames Tideway Tunnel, which explores childhood memories through a series of performative gestures and actions. The work is captured in stop-motion photographs, conveyed across hoarding panels, on Nine Elms Lane between Kirtling Street and Cringle Street. · The Great River Race on Saturday 12 September, visible on the South Bank of the river between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge. Over 300 man powered vessels take part in the colourful 'river marathon' which will pass through the area · Water Lambeth (also part of Lambeth Heritage Festival) - an artistic exhibition on display throughout September which juxtaposes paintings, photography, museum objects and maps that help document the history of Lambeth’s stretch of the Thames. For more information on any of the events taking place across Nine Elms on the South Bank, visit www.nineelmslondon.com/totallythames. On my search for some art in this great city, I wandered into the cool depths of Shoreditch to the Protein Gallery, which was hosting the Safari Festival, a celebration of illustration, graphics and alternative comics. The crowd visiting the exhibition was uber cool, which made me feel decidedly uncool. I shuffled around the various art displays and was especially taken by Leon Sadler's fantastic, edgy and subversive prints. The visit to the gallery re-ignited my love affair with street art. I used to live on Redchurch Street – now home to Shoreditch House and the like – and I would love discovering new graffiti art. I am pleased to report the street art scene is still very much alive and kicking here and in and around Shoreditch the urban landscape is one giant canvas bringing creativity, colour and subversiveness to all that wander its streets.
Other street art projects - Dismaland by Banksy Street art lovers should also check out Banksy’s new project 'Dismaland', described by the man himself as ‘a festival of art, amusements and entry level anarchism’ in Weston-super-mare. It features 19 ‘areas’ each put together by a different artist. My favourites are 'Mini Gulf', an oil caliphate themed crazy golf course made from the hockey pitch at Cheltenham Ladies college and 'Water Cannon Creek', an armour plated riot control vehicle built to serve on the streets of Northern Ireland, equipped with sniper posts, grenade launchers and now a children’s slide. On until 27th September (featuring Friday night events finishing with Massive attack on Friday 25th September), it's certain to be fab. I’m doing all I can to get tickets for this one, got any contacts anyone?! Elinor Seath Last summer I found myself wandering around the waste land surrounding Battersea Power station looking for a pop-up cinema and was thrilled to discover the Everyman Cinema. I got to watch a classic film that I had not seen before, lying in the comfort of a bean bag watching the sun go down, behind one of London’s most iconic buildings, what’s not to like?
Pop-up outdoor cinemas have taken off in the city over the past few years. The experience can be as elaborate as you want it; drive ins, hot tubs, choirs and full audience participation to boot. Here’s a flavour of what’s on offer and as I hint in the title you MUST BOOK NOW or the summer will pass you by and you will miss out on a great night. Here's my pick of the best London rooftop cinemas to get your movie fix on this summer. KENSINGTON ROOF GARDENS ROOFTOP FILM CLUB Now until 30 September 2015 virginlimitededition.com Kensington Roof Gardens, complete with resident flamingoes, is bringing the rooftop cinema action out west. Doors open an hour and a half before the screenings start between 8.30pm and 9pm, allowing plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy some free barbecue snacks. As at London’s other Rooftop Film Club events, you’ll be provided with comfy chairs and wireless headphones for top sound quality. What’s on: Pretty Woman, The Imitation Game, Some Like It Hot and more Where: 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA SOMERSET HOUSE FILM 4 SUMMER SCREEN 6 - 19 Aug 2015 somersethouse.org.uk The impressive courtyard at Somerset House couldn’t be better suited to being turned into a summertime cinema. Arrive early and enjoy a picnic ahead of the screenings at 9pm. It's wise to book in advance to avoid disappointment. What’s on: Withnail And I, Do The Right Thing, True Romance and more Where: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA PECKHAM ROOFTOP FILM CLUB 1 May - 30 September 2015 rooftopfilmclub.com The top of the Bussey Building is hosting a south London outpost of the Rooftop Film Club this year. The bar is open from 6pm with screenings starting between 8.30pm and 9pm. Expect comfy chairs and wireless headphones for top sound quality. What’s on: Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, Silence of the Lambs and more Where: 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST THE NOMAD CINEMA Ongoing The movies that keep on moving – The Nomad Cinema pops up in all kinds of locations across town, from Hyde Park and Belgrave Square to Middle Temple and Brompton Cemetery. Elinor Seath Restoration of historic Model Room and second floor private apartments revealed ...From the 19th of May, Sir John Soane’s Museum will publically open Soane’s private apartments and Model Room, located on the second floor at number 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. The apartments have been fully restored, and have not been seen by the public in over 160 years. The rooms include Soane’s Model Room, Bedroom, Bathroom, Book Passage, Oratory and Mrs Soane’s Morning Room.
History of Sir John Soane's Museum Sir John Soane’s house, museum and library at No. 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields has been a public museum since the early 19th century. On his appointment as Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy in 1806, Soane (1753-1837) began to arrange his books, classical antiquities, casts and models so that students of architecture might benefit from access to them. In 1833 he negotiated an Act of Parliament to preserve the house and collection after his death for the benefit of ‘amateurs and students’ in architecture, painting and sculpture. Today, Sir John Soane’s Museum is one of the country’s most unusual and significant museums with a continuing and developing commitment to education and creative inspiration. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Last entry 4:30pm. It is also open on the first Tuesday evening of each month from 6-9pm. Admission: Free For more information, visit http://www.soane.org. Sir John Soane’s Museum 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3BP |
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