London has come alive again and LLW has an abundance of ideas and options for your June Super Seven.
There are brilliant exhibitions, lots of outdoor eating and we now even have sunshine! London is still fairly quiet and perfect for a staycation if you aren’t going away. I live here but always love a London staycation.
There are lots of options available from hotels to apartments. Make a plan: book the museums, pack in a show, enjoy some shopping and enjoy the spirit of London. The mood of the moment is “Let’s Do London”. The June Super Seven has more than one reason why now is the time to visit this city.
London Design Biennale 2021 has opened at Somerset House and runs 1-27 June. Designer Es Devlin is the Artistic Director with the theme of Resonance. Ultimately the conversation is about climate change and we have so much to do. It is a phenomenal exhibition and a must see. Get your LDB tickets now – you won’t regret it. LLW LDB blog post.
Gaia returns to the Painted Hall in Greenwich. It’s an incredible installation and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Go for the day and check my tips on Greenwich Day Out. Include a visit to the new Tudors to Windsors exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. It is exceptional.
London Gallery Weekend 4-7 June: Over 140 galleries are taking part in the first London Gallery Weekend. There will be extended openings at 140 of London’s leading contemporary galleries celebrating the city’s culture and creativity.
Have you ever done augmented art tours? I did one with the Apple store ages ago, and it was brilliant fun. The Art of London in collaboration with these top galleries National Gallery, the NPG, Royal Academy of Arts and Sky Arts have collaborated on one in the West End. Download the Art of London app and you are set for a free art tour exploring gallery walls, including Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.
180 Studios : Ryoji Ikeda 12 multi media works to explore the way you view art in this immersive audio-visual installation. It is very cool, with each room offering a different sensory experience. Booking is essential as you are guided around the installation in groups. See my IG Reel for a taster. Closes 1 August 2021.
Van Gogh ALIVE opens in Kensington Gardens 4 June-26 September: Discover and immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh. This exhibition has travelled the world and finally opens in London. The pop-up site opposite The Royal Albert Hall in Kensington is sure to be a winner this summer.
Tower of London : Ceremony of the Keys A ceremony steeped in 700 years of English history that takes place in June. Tickets sell out quickly but I looked and there are still some available as this post goes live. After years of trying I finally got some, so be quick and get yours too. Visitors to the these big tourist attractions are down due to Covid so now is the time to take full advantage. Tickets are free with a £10 booking fee. Brilliant value.
Wimbledon BookFest 2021: London’s leading literary book festival arrives on Wimbledon Common with the Sunrise Festival 9-13 June. If you have been reading as much as I have, this should tick a box of curiosity to see some of those lockdown authors in conversation. There’s a great line-up.
The Garden Museum’s exhibition on Constance Spry the Fashion for Flowers is a must. The exhibition opened in May in collaboration with floral designer Shane Connolly celebrating the 20th Century’s most influential floral decorator. Other exhibitions I’ll checking out will be at the Design Museum, Dulwich Picture Gallery & Pitzhanger Manor.
Royal Albert Hall : The Proms tickets go live this month with a new booking system. You will need to be quick.
Serpentine Pavilion 2021 opens 11 June. It is designed by Counterspace and directed by Sumayya Vally – Vally is the youngest architect to win this architectural programme. Free.
Book ahead & get yourselves a movie night with Kew at the Movies 7-11 July.
Pub in the Park 25-27 June Dulwich Park. We went last year and had more fun that I knew possible. We were blessed with sunshine, music, excellent cocktails and the food on offer was delicious. Well worth it.