Welcome to Wednesday Wishes, a guide to exhibitions and cultural events opening this week in London
Tapestry of the Week
Doors have opened to the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum. I was lucky enough to go to the press view and it is stunning. As you enter you are greeted by a display of fearsome weapons and helmets dating from the time of the Battle of Hastings. From there you ascend stairs to see objects that would be the star exhibits in other exhibitions, but here are bit players. Next, you get a glimpse of the tapestry itself snaking along the lower gallery. Finally, it is down for an audience with the tapestry. You are very close. The colours are amazing. There are brilliant graphics explaining what you are looking at, if you can tear your eyes away from the stitching. If you have tickets, you are in for a treat. If not, set 21 October aside, as this is when the next tranche goes on sale. In the meantime, do go to Reading Museum to see its copy as a really good primer for the real thing.
Plinth of the Week
For 150 years, the plinth in the north-west corner of Trafalgar Square stood empty. Since 1999 it has been occupied by a piece of contemporary sculpture that changes every two years. Lady in Blue by Tschabalala Self takes up residence on the Fourth Plinth this Thursday. I can’t wait to see her, all of the Cultural Wednesday family voted for her. I’m really looking forward to having the positive striding energy of the Lady in Blue in Trafalgar Square for the next two years.
Open Houses of the Week
All across London doors that are usually closed to the public are being thrown open for the Open House Festival. I love this Festival. If you have ever wanted to see inside an Ambassador’s residence or behind the scenes at the National Theatre this is for you. Take a look at the Open House website and start making plans.
Design of the Week
The London Design Festival starts this weekend. Across London there are talks, displays, installations and open studios. Everything is free (well, everything that I have looked at), some events need to be booked. Take a look at the LDF website for full details and start to make plans.
Boats of the Week
St Katherine’s Dock will be full of beautiful old vessels this weekend for the Classic Boat Festival. There will be Thames sailing barges and selection of Dunkirk Little Ships among other vessels. You can take a look at the boats and even go on board some of them. On land there will be stalls selling nautical inspired good and food. Free to attend. If you want to get close to the boats you do need to register.
For inspiration for exhibitions to open now check out my guide to the Best London Exhibitions. If are venturing outside London take a look my exhibitions worth traveling for in the UK and Europe. Coffee and cake are an essential part of my jaunts here are some of favourite places London Museum Cafes and Church Cafes.
