What a treat to see the spectacular ‘Vision of Saint Jerome’ by Parmigianino at the National Gallery. The painting was acquired 200 years ago when the gallery first opened and it’s great to see it displayed in its own space surrounded by fascinating sketches and outline plans.
Electric Dreams: Art and Technology before the Internet. What a beguiling exhibition this is at Tate Modern. I find it a comfort that, whenever scientists and inventors come up with useful technology and innovations the artists follow in their wake and use them in a playful and creative way. Fascinating to see what artists achieved between the 1950s – 90s using motors, screens, broadcast, photography and computers to herald the dawning of digital.
The 80s: Photographing Britain This is a new photography exhibition at Tate Britain which captures aspects of that decade and seems to suggest that everyone back then was in a state of angst, dissatisfaction and dispute. I remember it rather fondly but now it’s all history for a younger generation to view. An interesting show with 350 images to tell the story of Britain during those years.
Love for the elderly, sensitive family situations and tender images of relationships dominate this year’s selection of Taylor Wessing photo portraits on show at the National Portrait, and I approve the choice of prize winners for 2024.
Prince George & Master Frederick is my debut novel. It’s a work of historical fiction but is based on the true story of Frederick Blomberg, the little orphan boy who was adopted by King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1765 and brought up like a prince within the royal household. Was he really the King’s secret son?
The V&A has just launched a fabulour exhbition celebrating the ‘Golden Age’ of the Mughal court 1560-1660. What a rich and creative time that was, embracing art forms which celebrated a huge and cultural geographic area covering a vast swathe of central Asia. A vast array of objects on show, from woven and printed fabrics, drawings and paintings on paper, books, weapons, clothing and vessels.
The World of Tim Burton – what a treat. This new show at the Design Museum takes us into the creative mind of a truly original artist, designer and film-maker. Who knew that a boy who loved monsters would grow up to terrify generations of children and adults with his astonishing work.
What an enchanting show! It’s a joy to visit the National Gallery and ‘Discover Constable and the Hay Wain’. This picture has graced millions of biscuit tins and chocolate boxes but there’s so much more to the image. Fascinating to see the painting in the context of a contemporary painter of the 1820s channelling the aesthetic of traditional landscape painting and establishing a British school of landscape. Fabulous
Paper Places 